Question

What are the different types of solutions with respect to water potential of cells ?

Answer 1

There are three types of possible solutions in relation to the water potential of cells namely:

1. Isotonic solution: When the intracellular and extra-cellular fluids have the same concentration the solution is called an isotonic solution. In this, the medium surrounding the cell has exactly the same water concentration as inside the cell.
2. Hypertonic solution: When the extra-cellular fluids have a lower concentration of solutes than the intracellular fluids, then the solution is called a hypotonic solution. In this, the medium surrounding the cell has a lesser concentration of sugar/salt, it is known as a hypotonic solution.
3. Hypotonic solution: When the extra-cellular fluids have a lower concentration of solutes than the intracellular fluids, then the solution is called a hypotonic solution. In this, the medium surrounding the cell has a higher concentration of sugar/salt, it is known as a hypertonic solution.