Hypertonic, Hypotonic & Isotonic

Front

What is a hypertonic solution?

Back

A hypertonic solution has a higher concentration of solutes compared to the inside of a cell, causing water to move out of the cell, leading to cell shrinkage.

Front

What is a hypotonic solution?

Back

A hypotonic solution has a lower concentration of solutes compared to the inside of a cell, causing water to move into the cell, leading to cell swelling.

Front

What is an isotonic solution?

Back

An isotonic solution has the same concentration of solutes as the inside of a cell, resulting in no net movement of water into or out of the cell.

Front

What happens to a cell placed in a hypertonic solution?

Back

The cell loses water and shrinks due to the higher concentration of solutes outside the cell.

Front

What happens to a cell placed in a hypotonic solution?

Back

The cell gains water and swells due to the lower concentration of solutes outside the cell.

Front

What is osmosis?

Back

Osmosis is the movement of water across a semipermeable membrane from an area of lower solute concentration to an area of higher solute concentration.

Front

How does a cell respond to an isotonic environment?

Back

In an isotonic environment, a cell remains the same size as there is no net movement of water.

Front

What is the effect of a hypotonic solution on red blood cells?

Back

Red blood cells placed in a hypotonic solution will swell and may burst (hemolysis) due to excess water intake.

Front

What is the effect of a hypertonic solution on plant cells?

Back

Plant cells placed in a hypertonic solution will undergo plasmolysis, where the cell membrane pulls away from the cell wall due to water loss.

Front

What is the significance of osmotic pressure?

Back

Osmotic pressure is the pressure required to prevent the flow of water across a semipermeable membrane, influencing cell volume and shape.