Cell Transport: Hypertonic and Hypotonic Solutions

Hypertonic

A solution with a higher concentration of solutes than another solution.

Hypotonic

A solution with a lower concentration of solutes than another solution.

Diffusion

The movement of molecules from an area of high concentration to an area of low concentration.

Concentration Gradient

The difference in concentration between two areas.

Water movement in hypertonic environment

In a hypertonic environment, water will move out of the cell, causing it to shrink.

Water movement in hypotonic environment

In a hypotonic environment, water will move into the cell, causing it to swell.

Effect of concentration gradient on diffusion

The larger the concentration gradient, the faster the rate of diffusion.

Effect of temperature on diffusion

Higher temperatures increase the rate of diffusion.

Effect of pressure on diffusion

Higher pressure increases the rate of diffusion.

Membrane Permeability

The ease with which molecules can pass through a membrane.

Example of hypertonic solution

Imagine a cell with a 20% solute concentration placed in a solution with a 25% solute concentration. The solution is hypertonic to the cell, meaning the solution has a higher solute concentration. Water will move out of the cell, causing it to shrink.

Example of diffusion

Imagine two containers, one with 1 million oxygen molecules and the other with 10 oxygen molecules. Oxygen will diffuse from the container with a higher concentration to the container with a lower concentration.