Here's a breakdown:
* Hypotonic: Lower solute concentration (more water).
* Hypertonic: Higher solute concentration (less water).
* Isotonic: Equal solute concentrations.
What happens when a cell is placed in a hypotonic solution?
Water moves from areas of high concentration to areas of low concentration. Since the hypotonic solution has a lower solute concentration, there's a higher water concentration outside the cell compared to inside. This causes water to move into the cell through osmosis, attempting to equalize the concentration.
Consequences of a Hypotonic Solution:
* Animal cells: The influx of water can cause the cell to swell and potentially burst (lyse) if the osmotic pressure becomes too great.
* Plant cells: Plant cells have rigid cell walls that prevent bursting. Instead, the cell will become turgid (firm and swollen) due to water uptake. This turgor pressure is important for maintaining the plant's structure.
Examples of Hypotonic Solutions:
* Distilled water: Pure water is hypotonic to most cells.
* Freshwater: Fish living in freshwater environments constantly face a hypotonic environment.
* Intravenous fluids: Some IV solutions are hypotonic to help rehydrate patients who are dehydrated.
In summary:
A hypotonic solution is a solution that causes water to move into cells. This can be beneficial for plant cells, but it can cause animal cells to swell and potentially burst.
