key term - Hypotonic solution

Definition

A hypotonic solution is a type of solution that has a lower concentration of solutes compared to another solution, typically the cytoplasm of a cell. When a cell is placed in a hypotonic solution, water enters the cell by osmosis, causing it to swell and potentially burst. This movement of water is essential for maintaining cellular homeostasis and affects how cells regulate their internal environments.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. In a hypotonic solution, cells can absorb excess water, which can lead to swelling and possibly cell lysis if the pressure becomes too great.
2. Plant cells thrive in hypotonic solutions because the influx of water creates turgor pressure, providing structural support without bursting due to their rigid cell walls.
3. Red blood cells placed in hypotonic solutions will swell and burst, which is why it's crucial to use isotonic solutions for intravenous fluids.
4. Hypotonic solutions are often used in laboratory settings to demonstrate osmosis and the effects of solute concentration on cell behavior.
5. The concept of hypotonic solutions is vital for understanding conditions like edema, where excess fluid accumulates in tissues due to imbalances in osmotic pressure.

Review Questions

• How does a hypotonic solution affect the osmotic pressure within a cell?
  • In a hypotonic solution, the osmotic pressure inside the cell increases as water flows into the cell due to the lower solute concentration outside. This influx of water can cause the cell to swell and potentially lead to lysis if the pressure becomes too great. The movement of water continues until equilibrium is approached, impacting cellular functions significantly.
• What are the differences in cellular responses when placed in hypotonic versus isotonic solutions?
  • When cells are placed in hypotonic solutions, they absorb water, swell, and risk bursting due to increased internal pressure. In contrast, isotonic solutions maintain equilibrium with no net movement of water into or out of the cell, allowing for stable cellular function. This difference highlights the importance of osmotic balance in maintaining homeostasis within biological systems.
• Evaluate the implications of using hypotonic solutions in medical treatments and how it can impact patient care.
  • Using hypotonic solutions in medical treatments requires careful consideration due to their potential to cause cells to swell and burst. For instance, administering a hypotonic IV solution could lead to hemolysis of red blood cells or damage other cell types if not properly monitored. Understanding these implications helps healthcare providers make informed decisions about fluid management and patient care strategies that ensure cellular integrity while addressing specific medical needs.

Related terms

Osmosis:

The movement of water across a selectively permeable membrane from an area of lower solute concentration to an area of higher solute concentration.

Isotonic solution: A solution that has the same concentration of solutes as another solution, resulting in no net movement of water into or out of a cell.

Cell lysis: The breaking down or destruction of a cell, often occurring when a cell takes in too much water in a hypotonic environment.