Tonicity

Question 1

What is Osmosis?

Answer 1

The net movement of water across a semipermeable membrane from an area of high concentration to an area of low concentration. It is passive transport.

Question 2

What is a hypertonic solution?

Answer 2

A solution where there is a higher concentration of solutes on the outside of the cell rather than the inside of the cell.

Question 3

What is a hypotonic solution?

Answer 3

A solution where there is a higher concentration of solutes on the inside of a cell rather than the outside.

Question 4

What is an isotonic solution?

Answer 4

A solution where solutes are concentrated evenly, intercellularly and extracellularly.

Question 5

Cells in Hypertonic solution

Answer 5

Water loss for cells.
Plant cell will become plasmolysed and begin to wilt.
Animal cell will shrink.

Question 6

Cells in Hypotonic Solution

Answer 6

Plant cell becomes turgid and stiff -> cell wall stiffens giving plant good structure.
Animal cell will swell and if too much water is given, lysis will occur and cell will explode.

Question 7

Cells in Isotonic Solution

Answer 7

Animal cell retains shape as movement is balanced.
Plant cells become slightly less turgid.