Describes the ability of a
solution to cause a cell to
gain or lose water. It
depends on the
concentration of a solute.
Solutions
• Remember that a solute is dissolved into a
solvent to make a solution.
Solute
+
Solvent

Solution
Types of Solutions
• There are 3 types of solutions. This is based
on a comparison of the concentration of
solute (the part being dissolved)/solvent in
each.
Imagine placing a cell into a solution and
comparing the concentrations of solute in both.
Solution
Cell
Types of Solutions
1) Isotonic Solution – The concentration of
solute and water in the cell is equal to
outside the cell. Water is moving = into and
outside of the cell, EQUAL
label the pics.
Solution
Normal in
animal cells
Cell
Flaccid (not firm)
in plants
In each of the following solutions, osmosis takes
place. Remember this rule:
WATER FOLLOWS SOLUTE,
=SOLUTE SUCKS water in
Remember: WATER FOLLOWS SOLUTE
Types of Solutions
2) Hypotonic Solution around the cell –higher
concentration of water around the cell, (more
solute in the cell). Water will follow the solute and
move into the cell to try and create a balance,
equilibrium, homeostasis. The cell will swell up.
Cell
An animal cell will undergo
cytolysis=lyse=burst
label pics)
A plant cell has a cell wall so it
will not burst, but will be come
very TURGID, they swell and
are firm, Normal for plants.
Types of Solutions
3) Hypertonic Solution – The concentration of
solute is greater around the cell, and
concentration of water is higher inside the cell.
Water will move out of the cell to try and
balance the concentrations so the cell will
shrivel.
An animal cell will undergo
crenation (shriveling)
Cell
A plant cell has a cell wall that
remains the same but the
cytoplasm will shrivel inside the
cell membrane, which is called
plasmolysis (plasmolyzed).
Types of Solutions
flaccid