Cells & Tonicity

Front

What is a hypotonic solution?

Back

A hypotonic solution is one where the concentration of solutes outside the cell is lower than inside the cell, causing water to flow into the cell.

Front

What happens to an animal cell in a hypotonic solution?

Back

The cell will swell and get bigger.

Front

What is an 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

What happens to an animal cell in an isotonic solution?

Back

The cell will stay the same size.

Front

What is a hypertonic solution?

Back

A hypertonic solution is one where the concentration of solutes outside the cell is higher than inside the cell, causing water to flow out of the cell.

Front

What happens to an animal cell in a hypertonic solution?

Back

The cell will shrink and get wrinkly.

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

What will happen if too much water diffuses into an animal cell?

Back

The cell could burst or pop.

Front

In which direction does water move in a hypotonic solution?

Back

Water moves into the cell.

Front

In which direction does water move in a hypertonic solution?

Back

Water moves out of the cell.