Hypertonic Solution Characteristics

Hypertonic Solution

Definition

A hypertonic solution is a solution that has a higher concentration of solutes than another solution, typically a cell.

Characteristics

• Has a higher osmotic pressure than the cell
• Causes water to leave the cell, leading to cell shrinkage (crenation)
• Cell membrane becomes more permeable, allowing solutes to enter the cell

Effects on Cells

• Water leaves the cell through osmosis, causing cell shrinkage
• Cell membrane becomes more permeable, allowing solutes to enter the cell
• Can lead to cell damage or death if the cell is unable to adapt

Examples

• Seawater is a hypertonic solution compared to human blood
• A solution with a high concentration of salt or sugar is hypertonic compared to a cell

Contrast with Other Solutions

• Hypotonic solution: has a lower concentration of solutes than the cell
• Isotonic solution: has the same concentration of solutes as the cell

Hypertonic Solution

• A solution with a higher concentration of solutes than another solution, typically a cell.
• Has a higher osmotic pressure than the cell.

Characteristics

• Causes water to leave the cell, leading to cell shrinkage (crenation).
• Cell membrane becomes more permeable, allowing solutes to enter the cell.

Effects on Cells

• Water leaves the cell through osmosis, causing cell shrinkage.
• Cell membrane becomes more permeable, allowing solutes to enter the cell.
• Can lead to cell damage or death if the cell is unable to adapt.

Examples

• Seawater is a hypertonic solution compared to human blood.
• A solution with a high concentration of salt or sugar is hypertonic compared to a cell.

Contrast with Other Solutions

• Hypotonic solution: has a lower concentration of solutes than the cell.
• Isotonic solution: has the same concentration of solutes as the cell.