wiz-icon
MyQuestionIcon
MyQuestionIcon
3
You visited us 3 times! Enjoying our articles? Unlock Full Access!
Question

What happens to a cell if it is placed in a hypotonic solution?


Open in App
Solution

Hypotonic solution:

  1. A hypotonic solution is a solution that has a lower osmotic pressure than another solution to be compared.
  2. An example of a hypotonic solution is saline. Salt is the solute and water is the solvent.
  3. It can also mean a solution containing a smaller amount of solute compared to the concentration of solute in other solutions across the semipermeable membrane.
  4. Hypotonic fluid is a solution in which water molecules tend to enter cells via passive transport, resulting in the final expansion of cells exposed to it.
  5. Therefore, when cells are placed in a hypotonic solution, the amount of impermeable solute in the solution is low and the concentration of water is higher than that present in the cytosol.
  6. As a result of the hypotonic environment, an osmotic gradient is created, the solvent or water moves into the cells and the cells swell.

flag
Suggest Corrections
thumbs-up
6
Join BYJU'S Learning Program
similar_icon
Related Videos
thumbnail
lock
Circulatory System
BIOLOGY
Watch in App
Join BYJU'S Learning Program
CrossIcon