Hypertonic Environment

Definition

A hypertonic environment refers to a solution that has a higher concentration of solutes (particles) compared to the inside of a cell. This causes water molecules to move out of the cell, leading to cell shrinkage.

Related terms

Hypotonic Environment:

This term refers to a solution that has a lower concentration of solutes compared to the inside of a cell. In this case, water molecules move into the cell, causing it to swell or burst.

Isotonic Solution:

An isotonic solution has an equal concentration of solutes both inside and outside the cell. There is no net movement of water molecules, resulting in no change in cell size.

Osmosis:

Osmosis is the process by which water molecules move from an area of higher concentration (hypotonic) to an area of lower concentration (hypertonic) across a selectively permeable membrane like the one surrounding cells.