What is the difference between a hypertonic solution and a hypotonic solution?
Understand the Problem
The question is asking about the differences between hypertonic and hypotonic solutions, specifically how they affect cells in terms of water movement and solute concentration.
Answer
A hypertonic solution has more solute than a hypotonic solution, causing water to move into it.
A hypertonic solution has a higher concentration of solute, leading to water moving into it, while a hypotonic solution has a lower concentration of solute, causing water to move out.
Answer for screen readers
A hypertonic solution has a higher concentration of solute, leading to water moving into it, while a hypotonic solution has a lower concentration of solute, causing water to move out.
More Information
When cells are placed in a hypertonic solution, they may shrink due to water loss, while in a hypotonic solution, they may swell or even burst from water intake.
Tips
Confusing the direction of water movement can lead to wrong assumptions about the effects on cells in these solutions.
Sources
- Hypotonic vs Hypertonic vs Isotonic - dictionary.com
- Tonicity: hypertonic, isotonic & hypotonic solutions (article) - khanacademy.org
- What is difference between hypotonic and hypertonic solution? - byjus.com
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