Here's why:
* Isotonic: The concentration of solutes (dissolved substances) inside the cell is equal to the concentration of solutes outside the cell. This means the water potential is the same inside and outside the cell, resulting in no net movement of water.
* Hypotonic: If the concentration of solutes is higher inside the cell than outside, the cell is in a hypotonic environment. Water will move into the cell, potentially causing it to swell or burst.
* Hypertonic: If the concentration of solutes is higher outside the cell than inside, the cell is in a hypertonic environment. Water will move out of the cell, potentially causing it to shrink.
