Tonicity

Front

What is tonicity?

Back

Tonicity refers to the ability of a surrounding solution to affect the volume of a cell by osmosis, based on the concentration of solutes in the solution compared to the cell's interior.

Front

Define isotonic solution.

Back

An isotonic solution is one where the concentration of solutes is equal inside and outside the cell, resulting in no net movement of water.

Front

Define 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

Define 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 or crenate.

Front

What happens to a cell in a hypotonic solution?

Back

The cell will gain water and may swell or burst (lyse).

Front

What is selective permeability?

Back

Selective permeability is the property of a cell membrane that allows certain molecules to pass through while blocking others.

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 an isotonic solution on cell volume?

Back

In an isotonic solution, the cell volume remains stable as water moves in and out at equal rates.

Front

What is the role of the cell membrane in tonicity?

Back

The cell membrane regulates the movement of water and solutes, maintaining the cell's internal environment.