Hypotonic Environment in AP Biology

Definition

A hypotonic environment refers to a solution with a lower solute concentration compared to the inside of a cell. In this type of environment, water molecules move into the cell, causing it to swell or potentially burst.

Related terms

Isotonic Environment: It refers to a solution where the solute concentration is equal both inside and outside the cell.

Hypertonic Environment:

It describes a solution that has a higher solute concentration compared to the inside of a cell.

Osmosis:

The process by which water molecules move across selectively permeable membranes from an area with low solute concentration to an area with high solute concentration.