Hypotonic Solution

Definition

A hypotonic solution has less solute and more water than another solution. When cells are in such an environment, they tend to absorb water from outside until equilibrium is reached or the cell bursts.

Related terms

Cytolysis: The bursting of a cell due to osmotic imbalance that has caused excess water to move into the cell.

Turgor Pressure: The pressure that water molecules exert against the cell wall.

Osmotic Pressure: The minimum pressure which needs to be applied to a solution to prevent the inward flow of its pure solvent across a semipermeable membrane.