<<–2/”>a href=”https://exam.pscnotes.com/5653-2/”>p>world of hypotonic and hypertonic solutions.
Introduction
Tonicity is a crucial concept in biology, particularly in understanding how cells interact with their Environment. It refers to the relative concentration of solutes (dissolved substances) in a solution compared to another solution. Hypotonic and hypertonic solutions play vital roles in various biological processes, from maintaining cell shape to facilitating nutrient absorption.
Key Differences: Hypotonic vs. Hypertonic Solutions
| Feature | Hypotonic Solution | Hypertonic Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Solute Concentration | Lower solute concentration compared to another solution (e.g., inside a cell) | Higher solute concentration compared to another solution (e.g., inside a cell) |
| Water Movement | Water moves into the cell (or the solution with lower solute concentration) by osmosis | Water moves out of the cell (or the solution with lower solute concentration) by osmosis |
| Effect on Animal Cells | Cells swell and may burst (lyse) | Cells shrink and may shrivel (crenate) |
| Effect on Plant Cells | Cells become turgid (firm) due to increased internal pressure | Cells undergo plasmolysis (cell membrane pulls away from the cell wall) |
Advantages and Disadvantages
| Solution Type | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|
| Hypotonic | – Promotes water uptake in dehydrated cells | – Can lead to cell rupture (lysis) in animal cells |
| Hypertonic | – Can be used to draw excess water out of Tissues (e.g., in wound healing) | – Can cause dehydration and damage to cells |
| – Can help preserve food by creating an environment unsuitable for microbial Growth (e.g., salting meats) |
Similarities Between Hypotonic and Hypertonic Solutions
- Both are relative terms, meaning their effects depend on the concentration of solutes compared to another solution.
- Both involve the movement of water across a semi-permeable membrane through osmosis.
- Both play important roles in biological processes.
FAQs on Hypotonic and Hypertonic Solutions
1. What is osmosis?
Osmosis is the passive movement of water Molecules across a semi-permeable membrane from an area of lower solute concentration to an area of higher solute concentration.
2. What is an isotonic solution?
An isotonic solution has the same solute concentration as another solution. There is no net movement of water in an isotonic environment.
3. Can you give examples of hypotonic and hypertonic solutions?
- Hypotonic: Pure water, 0.45% saline solution (used in intravenous fluids)
- Hypertonic: 3% saline solution, seawater
4. How do hypotonic and hypertonic solutions affect plant cells differently than animal cells?
Plant cells have a rigid cell wall that prevents them from bursting in a hypotonic solution. Instead, they become turgid, which is their normal state. In a hypertonic solution, plant cells undergo plasmolysis, where the cell membrane pulls away from the cell wall.
5. What are some practical applications of hypotonic and hypertonic solutions?
- Hypotonic solutions are used in intravenous rehydration and to treat certain medical conditions.
- Hypertonic solutions are used in wound healing, food preservation, and in some medical procedures.
Let me know if you’d like more information or have any other questions!