Tonicity

Front

What does it mean for a cell membrane to be selectively permeable?

Back

It means that certain substances can enter the cell while others cannot.

Front

What is a hypertonic solution?

Back

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

Front

What is an isotonic solution?

Back

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

Front

What is a hypotonic solution?

Back

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

Front

What happens to a cell in a hypertonic solution?

Back

The cell will lose water and may shrink.

Front

What happens to a cell in an isotonic solution?

Back

The cell will maintain its shape as there is no net movement of water.

Front

What happens to a cell in a hypotonic solution?

Back

The cell will gain water and may swell or burst.

Front

How does osmosis relate to tonicity?

Back

Osmosis is the movement of water across a selectively permeable membrane, influenced by the tonicity of the surrounding solution.

Front

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

Back

Red blood cells will crenate (shrink) in a hypertonic solution.

Front

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

Back

Red blood cells will swell and may lyse (burst) in a hypotonic solution.