HYPOTONIC SOLUTION Meaning and
Definition
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A hypotonic solution refers to a solution that has a lower concentration of solutes compared to the solution or fluid surrounding a cell or tissue. In other words, it is a solution that has a higher concentration of water molecules and a lower concentration of dissolved substances or solutes.
When a cell or tissue is exposed to a hypotonic solution, osmosis occurs. Osmosis is the movement of water molecules from an area of higher water concentration (in this case, the hypotonic solution) to an area of lower water concentration (inside the cell or tissue). This movement of water continues until equilibrium is reached, meaning that the concentration of water molecules inside the cell or tissue is equal to the concentration outside.
If a cell is placed in a hypotonic solution, water will enter the cell, causing it to expand and potentially burst. This is because the solute concentration inside the cell is higher than in the surrounding solution, resulting in a net influx of water. Hypotonic solutions are commonly used in medical procedures as a means to deliver fluids and nutrients into the body cells and tissues.
In summary, a hypotonic solution is a solution with a lower concentration of solutes compared to the surrounding fluid. It promotes water movement into the cell, which can lead to cell expansion or potentially bursting if not regulated properly.
Common Misspellings for HYPOTONIC SOLUTION
- gypotonic solution
- bypotonic solution
- nypotonic solution
- jypotonic solution
- uypotonic solution
- yypotonic solution
- htpotonic solution
- hgpotonic solution
- hhpotonic solution
- hupotonic solution
- h7potonic solution
- h6potonic solution
- hyootonic solution
- hylotonic solution
- hy0otonic solution
- hypitonic solution
- hypktonic solution
- hypltonic solution
- hypptonic solution
- hyp0tonic solution
Etymology of HYPOTONIC SOLUTION
The word "hypotonic" is derived from the Greek terms "hypo-" meaning "below" or "under", and "tonos" meaning "tension" or "pressure". When combined, "hypotonic" refers to something that has less tension, pressure, or concentration compared to a standard or reference solution. In the context of biology and chemistry, a hypotonic solution is one with a lower concentration of solutes (such as salt or sugar) than the solution it is being compared to.
