Tonicity

Front

What is tonicity?

Back

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

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 enter the cell.

Front

What happens to a cell in a hypotonic environment?

Back

The cell swells as water enters, which can lead to cell lysis (bursting) if the pressure becomes too great.

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 leave the cell.

Front

What happens to a cell in a hypertonic environment?

Back

The cell shrinks as water exits, which can lead to crenation in animal cells.

Front

What is an isotonic solution?

Back

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

Front

How does osmosis relate to tonicity?

Back

Osmosis is the movement of water across a semipermeable membrane, influenced by the tonicity of the solutions on either side.

Front

What is osmotic pressure?

Back

Osmotic pressure is the pressure required to prevent the flow of water across a semipermeable membrane due to osmosis.

Front

What is the effect of a hypotonic solution on plant cells?

Back

In a hypotonic solution, plant cells become turgid (firm) as water enters, which is essential for maintaining plant structure.

Front

What is the effect of a hypertonic solution on plant cells?

Back

In a hypertonic solution, plant cells undergo plasmolysis, where the cell membrane pulls away from the cell wall due to water loss.