What is an explanation of hypotonic hypertonic? - ProProfs Discuss
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What is an explanation of hypotonic hypertonic?

Asked by LUKHANYO, Last updated: Apr 18, 2024

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2 Answers

K. Myers

K. Myers

K. Myers
K. Myers, Blogger, Chicago

Answered Feb 10, 2021

A hypertonic solution is a solution that has a greater concentration of solutes on the outside of the cell when compared with the inside of the cell. In the cell, the movement of water and ions is important. For example, in plant cells, water is drawn into the vacuole with the help of a hypertonic solution.

In humans, an example of the hypertonic solution includes when the kidney reabsorbs the water that is supposed to be exerted back into the blood stream.

Hypotonic is a solution that has a lower solute concentration. If a cell is placed in a hypotonic solution, there will be water going into the cell. The cell will gain volume. In a hypotonic solution, the concentration outside the cell is lower than that of the cell.

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J. Alfie

J. Alfie

I Write for myself and many other clients. Blog post, Article writing and writing for ProProfs is my daily thing.

J. Alfie
J. Alfie, Content Writer, Masters in Literature, Dallas,Texas

Answered Feb 03, 2021

The solution will be considered hypertonic if the solute concentration is going to be higher than the solution that can be found inside the cell. This means that the solutes will not be able to cross the membrane.

If the solute concentration outside the cell is going to be lower as compared to the solutes that are inside the cell, then this means that the solution is going to be hypotonic. For a simpler definition, you would say that a solution is hypertonic if it would have more solutes as compared to the available water. For hypotonic, there is going to be more water available as compared to the solutes in a given solution.

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