---
title: "Hypertonic Solution — AP Bio Definition & Exam Guide"
description: "A hypertonic solution has more solute outside the cell than inside, so water rushes out and the cell shrinks. Key to osmosis and membrane transport in AP Bio Unit 2."
canonical: "https://fiveable.me/ap-bio/key-terms/hypertonic-solution"
type: "key-term"
subject: "AP Biology"
---

# Hypertonic Solution — AP Bio Definition & Exam Guide

## Definition

A hypertonic solution is one that has a higher concentration of solutes outside the cell than inside the cell. This causes water to move out of the cell, leading to shrinkage or crenation.

## Related Study Guides

- [2.5 Membrane Transport](/ap-bio/unit-2/membrane-permeability/study-guide/1114cAD5d5VyivEBDKDJ)

## Review

### Related Terms

- Crenation: The shrinking of cells when they are exposed to a hypertonic solution.
- Solvent: A substance, typically liquid, that dissolves another substance (solute) to form a solution.
- Solute: The substance that gets dissolved in a solvent to form a solution.