Hypotonic Solution: Definition, Diagram & Examples

Instructor and Expert Contributor

• Amanda Robb

  • Taught high school science for over 10 years.
  • Master's Degree in Cellular and Molecular Physiology (Tufts Medical School).
  • Master's of Teaching (Simmons College).
  • Certified in secondary special education, biology, and physics (Massachusetts).

• Adrienne Brundage

  • Ph.D. in Entomology (Texas A&M University).
  • M.S. in Organismal Biology (San Jose State University).
  • B.S. in Plant Protection Sciences (California Polytechnic State University).
  • Extensive teaching experience in various biological sciences.

Key Concepts

Hypotonic Solution Definition:

• A solution with a lower concentration of solute compared to the cell.
• Composed of a solute and a solvent.
• Example: Salt water (salt = solute, water = solvent).

Solute and Solvent:

• Solute: The substance present in a lesser amount.
• Solvent: The substance present in a greater amount.

Hypotonic Solution Examples:

• Distilled water.
• 0.45% saline.
• 0.25% saline.

Medical Applications:

• Used in cases such as diabetic ketoacidosis for rehydration (e.g., 0.45% saline solution).

Plant Cells in Hypotonic Solution:

• Plant cells require hypotonic solutions to maintain turgor pressure.
• Water influx fills the vacuole, expanding the cell without bursting due to the cell wall.
• Grocers use distilled water to keep produce fresh and crisp.

Tonicity and Osmolarity

• Tonicity: Refers to the concentration gradient of solutes outside the cell compared to inside.
• Osmolarity: Refers to the concentration of solute particles in a solution.

Effects on Cells:

• Animal Cells: May lyse (burst) due to excessive water influx.
• Plant Cells: Do not burst due to the structural support of the cell wall.

Comparison: Hypotonic vs. Hypertonic Solutions

• Hypotonic Solution: Lower solute concentration than the cell.
• Hypertonic Solution: Higher solute concentration than the cell.

Study and Reference

• Related subjects include osmosis, diffusion, and cellular tonicity.
• Useful for understanding cellular processes and medical applications of solutions.

Additional Resources

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