What are hypotonic, isotonic and hypertonic solutions?

Question

And how would a normal plant or animal cell look in each on of the solutions???

Answer 1

Each of these examples use cells, but the concept applies to other things (like water balloons, etc.):

***Hypotonic Solution***
Solution - Less solutes, more water
Cell - More solutes, less water
Visual representation = ( )

Water travels passively down the concentration gradient through the cell membrane into the cell. This influx of water causes the cell to swell and maybe lyse.

***Hypertonic Solution***
Solution - More solutes, less water
Cell - Less solutes, more water
Visual representation = ) (

Water travels passively down the concentration gradient through the cell membrane out of the cell. This influx of water causes the cell to shrivel.

***Isotonic Solution***
Solution - "Equal" solutes, "equal" water
Cell - "Equal" solutes, "equal" water

The "net" concentration of solutes and water remains equal, so there is no net change in cell membrane shape. However, there is technically still the travel of water into and out of the membrane--there is just no net result.

***Note: Plant cells outwardly appear unaffected by water loss or gain due to their cell walls. However, their cell membranes still swell and shrivel. In the case of introduction into a hypotonic solution, plant cells do not lyse as their cell wall prevent rupturing.

Answer 2

A hypotonic solution would cause the cell to swell because there is a higher concentration of whatever outside the cell, so whatever solution the cell is in will move into the cell. An example of this is a salty solution. Another thing about hypotonic solutions is that when the cell bursts, it is called lysing (lyse). Hypertonic solutions cause the cell to become dehydrated (smaller) because there is a higher concentration of solution in the cell. An example is a sugary solution. In an isotonic solution, a cell would stay the same because there is no net movement of water i.e. water moves in and out of the cell equally. I'm a freshman in an honors biology class and had a test on this about 3 weeks ago so I feel ya pain. Good Luck! Oh, and remember, hypertonic solutions make cells smaller so think that hyper people exercise so they get smaller and the o in hypotonic solution is forthe cell swelling and getting large like the o. Hope that helps you remember!

Answer 3

Water move out of the cell hypotonic
Water move inside the cell hypertonic
Equlibrum is isotonic

Answer 4

Hypotonic

Answer 5

hypotonic- below strength or less concentrated
isotonic= same strength/concentration
hypertonic=above stength or high concentration

Answer 6

http://www.teachers.ash.org.au/monkweb/VCEBiology/(Biol%20Unit%203)%20Chp%204%20Water%20Balance/tsld003.htm