Question

Differentiate between members of each of the following pairs with reference to the phrases in brackets.

2. Hypertonic and isotonic solutions (number of solute molecules).

Answer 1

Hypertonic solution:

A hypertonic solution is a solution whose concentration is greater than that of the cell sap.

Isotonic solution:

An isotonic solution is a solution whose concentration is equal to the cell sap.

Hypertonic solution	Isotonic solution
1. A hypertonic solution has low water concentration and high solute concentration as compared to the cell sap.	1. An isotonic solution has the same water concentration and same solute concentration as the cell sap.
2. The solution has high osmotic pressure.	2. The solution has zero osmotic pressure.
3. When a cell is placed in a hypertonic solution, then it will lead to the outward movement of solvent molecules by exosmosis.	3. When a cell is placed in an isotonic solution then, there will no net movement of solvent molecules because the solute concentration is the same in the surrounding solution and the cell.
4. The cell when placed in a hypertonic solution becomes plasmolyzed.	4. The cell when placed in an isotonic solution, it becomes flaccid.