D2.3.5 Effects of water movement on cells that lack a cell wall

Why are animal cells sensitive to their environment?

They lack the structural support of a cell wall.

What happens to an animal cell in a hypotonic solution?

Water moves in, causing it to swell and possibly burst (lysis).

What is lysis?

Lysis is when a cell membrane ruptures.

What happens to red blood cells in pure water?

They swell and burst, leaving empty membranes called red cell ghosts.

What happens to an animal cell in a hypertonic solution?

Water moves out, causing the cell to shrink and crenate.

What is crenation?

Crenation is when a cell shrinks and its membrane wrinkles.

What happens to red blood cells in a concentrated salt solution?

They shrink and develop a spiky, crenated appearance.

What is an isotonic solution?

A solution with equal solute concentration inside and outside the cell.

What happens to cells in an isotonic solution?

Water moves in and out equally, keeping the cell stable.

Why are isotonic conditions important for cells?

They prevent cells from swelling or shrinking.

How do multicellular organisms maintain isotonic conditions?

They regulate the solute concentration of their extracellular fluids.

What is the role of contractile vacuoles in freshwater unicellular organisms?

They pump excess water out to stop the cell from bursting.

What happens during the function of a contractile vacuole?

Solutes enter the vacuole, water follows, and then the vacuole contracts to expel the water.

Why is maintaining isotonic conditions critical for organ health?

Swelling or shrinking can disrupt cell functions, and organs like the brain are very sensitive to water balance.

Give an example of a medical application of isotonic solutions.

IV drips, wound cleaning, or organ preservation.

What happens to a cell in a hypotonic solution?

It swells as water enters, and may burst.

What happens to a cell in a hypertonic solution?

It shrinks as water leaves.

What is the effect of an isotonic solution on red blood cells?

They stay normal and healthy.

Why do we use isotonic solutions in medical treatments?

To keep cells safe and avoid damage during procedures.