Question

List two points of differences between the following.

Isotonic, hypotonic and hypertonic solutions.

Answer 1

1. A solution having a solute concentration similar to that of another solution is called an isotonic solution.
2. A solution having a lower concentration of solute as compared to another solution is called a hypotonic solution.
3. A solution having a higher concentration of solute as compared to another solution is called a hypertonic solution.

Isotonic	Hypotonic	Hypertonic
1. Cell neither gains nor loses water.	1. Cell progressively gains water through endosmosis.	1. Cell progressively loses water through exosmosis.
2. Osmotic pressure outside the cells is equal to the osmotic pressure inside the cells.	2. Cell has a higher osmotic pressure than the solution surrounding it.	2. Osmotic pressure is higher outside the cell than inside the cell.