Cells & Tonicity

Front

What happens to an animal cell when too much water diffuses into it?

Back

The cell could burst or pop.

Front

In a hypotonic solution, which way does water move in relation to the cell?

Back

Water moves into the cell.

Front

What is the effect on the size and shape of an animal cell in a hypotonic solution?

Back

The cell will swell and get bigger.

Front

What happens to the size and shape of an animal cell in an isotonic solution?

Back

The cell will stay the same size.

Front

In a hypertonic solution, which way does water move in relation to the cell?

Back

Water moves out of the cell.

Front

Define hypotonic solution.

Back

A solution with a lower concentration of solutes compared to the inside of the cell, causing water to enter the cell.

Front

Define hypertonic solution.

Back

A solution with a higher concentration of solutes compared to the inside of the cell, causing water to leave the cell.

Front

Define isotonic solution.

Back

A solution with the same concentration of solutes as the inside of the cell, resulting in no net movement of water.

Front

What is osmosis?

Back

The movement of water across a selectively permeable membrane from an area of lower solute concentration to an area of higher solute concentration.

Front

What is the role of the cell membrane in tonicity?

Back

The cell membrane regulates the movement of water and solutes in and out of the cell.