What effect does a hypertonic solution have on cells?

A hypertonic solution has a higher concentration of solutes compared to the concentration of solutes inside the cell. When cells are placed in such a solution, water moves out of the cells in an attempt to equalize the solute concentrations on both sides of the cell membrane. This movement of water out of the cell leads to a decrease in cell volume, ultimately causing the cells to shrink.

This process is known as osmosis, where water moves across a semipermeable membrane from an area of lower solute concentration to an area of higher solute concentration. As a result, the correct effect of a hypertonic solution on cells is that it shrinks them, which is why this answer is accurate.

In contrast, other options suggest different effects. Swelling would occur in a hypotonic solution, where water moves into the cell. Maintaining cell size isn't applicable here since a hypertonic solution induces movement of water out of the cell, affecting its size. The destruction of cells could be a result of extreme conditions, but in the context of a hypertonic solution, the primary effect observed is cell shrinkage due to water loss.