What is the term for a solution that contains a lower concentration of solute compared to another solution?

What is the term for a solution that contains a lower concentration of solute compared to another solution?

• A. Isotonic
• B. Hypertonic
• C. Hypotonic
• D. Supersaturated

Answer: (C)

The term "hypotonic" is used to describe a solution that has a lower concentration of solute compared to another solution. In biological contexts, this is particularly important when discussing the movement of water and the behavior of cells in different environments. When a cell is placed in a hypotonic solution, water moves into the cell due to osmosis, as the concentration of solutes inside the cell is higher than the concentration outside. This can result in the cell swelling and potentially bursting if the difference in solute concentration is significant. This concept is essential in understanding cellular biology and the effects of different solutions on cell morphology and function. In contrast, an isotonic solution has an equal solute concentration compared to the cell, leading to no net movement of water, while a hypertonic solution has a higher concentration of solute, causing water to move out of the cell and potentially leading to cell shrinkage. A supersaturated solution refers to a solution that contains more dissolved solute than it can theoretically hold at a specific temperature, which is a different concept altogether.

The term "hypotonic" is used to describe a solution that has a lower concentration of solute compared to another solution. In biological contexts, this is particularly important when discussing the movement of water and the behavior of cells in different environments.

When a cell is placed in a hypotonic solution, water moves into the cell due to osmosis, as the concentration of solutes inside the cell is higher than the concentration outside. This can result in the cell swelling and potentially bursting if the difference in solute concentration is significant. This concept is essential in understanding cellular biology and the effects of different solutions on cell morphology and function.

In contrast, an isotonic solution has an equal solute concentration compared to the cell, leading to no net movement of water, while a hypertonic solution has a higher concentration of solute, causing water to move out of the cell and potentially leading to cell shrinkage. A supersaturated solution refers to a solution that contains more dissolved solute than it can theoretically hold at a specific temperature, which is a different concept altogether.