All Flashcards
What happens to an animal cell in a hypotonic solution?
The cell swells and may burst (lyse) due to water rushing in.
What happens to a plant cell in a hypertonic solution?
The cell undergoes plasmolysis (the plasma membrane pulls away from the cell wall) due to water loss.
What is the effect of osmosis?
Equalization of solute concentrations across a semi-permeable membrane.
What are the differences between a hypotonic and a hypertonic solution?
Hypotonic: Lower solute concentration outside the cell, water moves in. Hypertonic: Higher solute concentration outside the cell, water moves out.
Compare and contrast isotonic solutions in animal and plant cells.
Animal cell: Normal size and function. Plant cell: Cell is flaccid (limp), not turgid as it should be.
What is a hypotonic solution?
A solution with less solute outside the cell than inside, causing water to rush into the cell.
What is a hypertonic solution?
A solution with more solute outside the cell than inside, causing water to rush out of the cell.
What is an isotonic solution?
A solution with equal solute concentration inside and outside the cell, resulting in no net water movement.
Define osmosis.
The movement of water across a semi-permeable membrane from an area of high water concentration to an area of low water concentration.
What is solute concentration?
The amount of solutes dissolved in a solution.