Hypotonic

Definition

Hypotonic describes a solution with a lower solute concentration compared to another solution. This causes water to move into the area with higher solute concentration due to osmosis.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. In a hypotonic solution, cells may swell and burst due to water influx.
2. Osmosis drives the movement of water from the hypotonic solution to the hypertonic solution.
3. Hypotonic solutions have higher water potential compared to hypertonic solutions.
4. Red blood cells placed in a hypotonic solution will undergo hemolysis (bursting).
5. Hypotonicity is crucial in understanding cell behavior in different environments.

Review Questions

• What happens to a cell placed in a hypotonic solution?
• How does osmosis relate to hypotonic solutions?
• Why might red blood cells burst when exposed to a hypotonic environment?

Related terms

Hypertonic: A solution with a higher solute concentration compared to another solution, causing water to move out of the area with lower solute concentration.

Isotonic: A solution where the solute concentration is equal inside and outside of a cell, resulting in no net movement of water.

Osmosis:

The diffusion of water across a semipermeable membrane from an area of low solute concentration to an area of high solute concentration.