6 Questions
What is the primary characteristic of an isotonic solution?
It has the same concentration of solutes as the cell.
What happens to cells in an isotonic solution?
They neither shrink nor swell.
What is the effect of an isotonic solution on the cell membrane?
It remains intact.
What is a common use of isotonic solutions in medical treatments?
IV fluids and contact lens cleaning.
How does a 0.9% sodium chloride (NaCl) solution relate to human blood cells?
It is isotonic with human blood cells.
What happens to cells in a hypotonic solution?
They swell due to water gain.
Study Notes
Isotonic Solutions
Definition
- An isotonic solution is a solution that has the same concentration of solutes as the cell.
- The concentration of solutes inside the cell is equal to the concentration of solutes outside the cell.
Characteristics
- The movement of water molecules into or out of the cell is minimal.
- The cell retains its original shape and size.
- There is no net movement of water into or out of the cell.
Example
- A 0.9% sodium chloride (NaCl) solution is isotonic with human blood cells.
Effects on Cells
- Cells in an isotonic solution will neither swell nor shrink.
- The cell membrane remains intact, and the cell functions normally.
- Isotonic solutions are often used in medical treatments, such as IV fluids and contact lens cleaning solutions, to maintain cell health and prevent damage.
Comparison to Other Solutions
- Isotonic solutions are different from hypotonic solutions, which have a lower concentration of solutes, and hypertonic solutions, which have a higher concentration of solutes.
- Cells in hypotonic solutions will swell, while cells in hypertonic solutions will shrink.
Isotonic Solutions
- An isotonic solution is a solution that has the same concentration of solutes as the cell.
- In an isotonic solution, the concentration of solutes inside the cell is equal to the concentration of solutes outside the cell.
Characteristics of Isotonic Solutions
- Minimal movement of water molecules into or out of the cell.
- Cell retains its original shape and size.
- No net movement of water into or out of the cell.
Example of an Isotonic Solution
- A 0.9% sodium chloride (NaCl) solution is isotonic with human blood cells.
Effects on Cells in Isotonic Solutions
- Cells neither swell nor shrink.
- Cell membrane remains intact, and the cell functions normally.
- Isotonic solutions are used in medical treatments to maintain cell health and prevent damage.
Comparison to Other Solutions
- Isotonic solutions differ from hypotonic solutions, which have a lower concentration of solutes.
- Isotonic solutions differ from hypertonic solutions, which have a higher concentration of solutes.
- Cells in hypotonic solutions will swell, while cells in hypertonic solutions will shrink.
Understand the definition and characteristics of isotonic solutions, including their effect on cell shape and size. Learn about real-world examples of isotonic solutions.
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