Question

Define Isotonic,hypertonic and hypotonic solutions

Answer 1

Isotonic, hypertonic, and hypotonic solutions

1. Terms isotonic, hypertonic, and hypotonic are usually used when a reference to the cell of a living organism is made, but they can be generally used to compare the concentration of a solute in two solutions.

Isotonic solution

1. Isotonic solutions are two solutions that have the same concentration as a solute.
2. Example: 1.0 M glucose solution is isotonic with 1.0 M fructose solution as both solutions have the same osmotic pressure.

Hypertonic solution

1. The solution whose osmotic pressure is higher than that of the other is called a hypertonic solution.
2. Example: Blood cells suspended in a solution containing more than 0.9% (m/v) sodium chloride solution (saline).
3. In this solution, water will flow out of the blood cells and they would shrink.

Hypotonic solution

1. A solution is called hypotonic if its osmotic pressure is lower than that of the solution from which it is separated by a semipermeable membrane.
2. A common example of a hypotonic solution is 0.45% normal saline (half normal saline).
3. Example: Pure water and saline solutions that contains less solute than our blood used in medicine