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  • Understanding Cell Solutions: Isotonic, Hypertonic, and Hypotonic
    The types of solutions outside a cell, relative to the cell's internal environment, are categorized based on their tonicity:

    * Isotonic Solution: A solution with the same concentration of solutes as the cell's cytoplasm. There is no net movement of water in or out of the cell.

    * Hypertonic Solution: A solution with a higher concentration of solutes than the cell's cytoplasm. Water moves out of the cell, causing it to shrink or shrivel.

    * Hypotonic Solution: A solution with a lower concentration of solutes than the cell's cytoplasm. Water moves into the cell, causing it to swell and potentially burst.

    Here's a table summarizing the key points:

    | Solution Type | Solute Concentration (relative to cell) | Water Movement | Effect on Cell |

    |---|---|---|---|

    | Isotonic | Equal | No net movement | No change |

    | Hypertonic | Higher | Out of the cell | Shrinking |

    | Hypotonic | Lower | Into the cell | Swelling |

    Examples:

    * Isotonic: A saline solution (0.9% NaCl) is isotonic to human red blood cells.

    * Hypertonic: Seawater is hypertonic to freshwater fish cells.

    * Hypotonic: Pure water is hypotonic to most cells.

    Important Note: The specific concentration of solutes that makes a solution isotonic, hypertonic, or hypotonic will vary depending on the cell type.

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