HYPOISOTONIC Meaning and
Definition
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Hypoisotonic is an adjective used to describe a solution that has a lower concentration of solutes compared to another solution, usually referring to the cytoplasm of a cell. In a hypoisotonic solution, the concentration of solutes is lower outside of the cell than inside. This difference in solute concentration causes water to move into the cell through a process called osmosis.
The term "hypoisotonic" combines the Greek prefix "hypo-" meaning below or under, and the adjective "isotonic," which refers to a solution with an equal concentration of solutes as another solution. A hypoisotonic solution can be considered as having a lower osmotic pressure compared to the cytoplasm of a cell.
When a cell is exposed to a hypoisotonic solution, water moves into the cell, causing it to swell or even burst in extreme cases. This process, known as osmotic lysis, can occur when there is an imbalance in solute concentration, leading to the movement of water molecules across a semi-permeable membrane.
Hypoisotonic solutions are often used in various scientific studies or experiments to induce specific cellular responses or assess the behavior of cells under different conditions. Understanding the properties and effects of hypoisotonic solutions is crucial in fields such as physiology, pharmacology, and cell biology as it helps scientists comprehend how cells interact with their surrounding environment and how changes in osmotic conditions can impact cell function and behavior.
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A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for HYPOISOTONIC
- hypoisotonhc
- hypoisotonis
- hypoisotonik
- hypoisotonig
- hypoisotonia
- hypoisotonib
- hypoisewtonic
- hypoisowtonic
- hypoisotwonic
- h ypoisotonic
- hypo isotonic
- hypoi sotonic
- hypois otonic
- hypoiso tonic
- hypoisot onic
- hypoisoto nic
- hypoisoton ic
- hypoisotoni c
Etymology of HYPOISOTONIC
The word "hypoisotonic" is derived from three main components: "hypo", "iso", and "tonic".
1. "Hypo": This prefix comes from the Greek word "hypo", which means "under" or "below".
2. "Iso": This prefix also comes from the Greek word "iso", which means "equal" or "same".
3. "Tonic": This word comes from the Greek word "tonikos", which means "of or relating to tension or stretching".
Therefore, when we combine these components, "hypoisotonic" refers to a solution that has less osmotic pressure or tonicity than another solution with which it is compared.
