Tonicity

Front

What is tonicity?

Back

Tonicity refers to the ability of a surrounding solution to affect the volume of a cell by altering the water movement across the cell membrane.

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, leading to cell shrinkage.

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, leading to cell swelling.

Front

Define isotonic solution.

Back

An isotonic solution has an equal concentration of solutes compared to the inside of the cell, resulting in no net movement of water.

Front

What happens to a cell 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 in a hypotonic solution?

Back

The cell gains water and may swell or burst due to the lower concentration of solutes outside the cell.

Front

What is the role of water in tonicity?

Back

Water moves across the cell membrane to balance solute concentrations inside and outside the cell.

Front

Can solutes easily pass through the cell membrane?

Back

No, tonicity deals with solutes that cannot easily pass through the cell membrane.

Front

Is water considered a solute in the context of tonicity?

Back

No, water is not considered a solute; it is the solvent that facilitates the movement of solutes.

Front

What is the effect of an isotonic solution on a plant cell?

Back

In an isotonic solution, a plant cell maintains its shape and turgor pressure, as there is no net movement of water.