Hypertonic

Definition

A hypertonic solution has a higher concentration of solutes compared to another solution. This causes water to move out of cells or compartments, potentially leading to cell shrinkage.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. In a hypertonic solution, the osmotic pressure is higher than that of the cell's internal environment.
2. When cells are placed in a hypertonic solution, they lose water and undergo crenation.
3. Hypertonic solutions can be used in medical settings to reduce swelling by drawing fluid out of tissues.
4. The colligative properties of solutions, such as boiling point elevation and freezing point depression, are affected by the solute concentration in hypertonic solutions.
5. To determine if a solution is hypertonic, compare its solute concentration with that of the cytoplasm or another reference solution.

Review Questions

• What happens to a cell placed in a hypertonic solution?
• How does a hypertonic solution affect boiling point and freezing point?
• Why might a medical professional use a hypertonic solution?

Related terms

Isotonic: A solution with the same solute concentration as another solution, resulting in no net movement of water across cell membranes.

Hypotonic: A solution with a lower concentration of solutes compared to another solution, causing water to move into cells.

Osmosis:

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