Use the accompanying image to select the correct terms in...

Use the accompanying image to select the correct terms in the statements below each of the cells shown. (a) This red blood cell is in a(n) (hypertonic / hypotonic / isotonic) solution. (b) In this environment, normal red blood cells (gain / lose / neither gain nor lose) water. (c) The total solute concentration outside the cell is (lower than / higher than / equal to) the total solute concentration inside it. (d) This red blood cell is in a(n) (hypertonic / hypotonic / isotonic) solution. (e) In this environment, normal red blood cells (gain / lose / neither gain nor lose) water. (f) The total solute concentration outside the cell is (lower than / higher than / equal to) the total solute concentration inside it. (g) This red blood cell is in a(n) (hypertonic / hypotonic / isotonic) solution. (h) In this environment, normal red blood cells (gain / lose / neither gain nor lose] water. (i) The total solute concentration outside the cell is (lower than / higher than $/$ equal to ) the total solute concentration inside it.

Use the accompanying image to select the correct terms in the statements below each of the cells shown.

(a) This red blood cell is in a(n) (hypertonic / hypotonic / isotonic) solution.
(b) In this environment, normal red blood cells (gain / lose / neither gain nor lose) water.
(c) The total solute concentration outside the cell is (lower than / higher than / equal to) the total solute concentration inside it.

(d) This red blood cell is in a(n) (hypertonic / hypotonic / isotonic) solution.
(e) In this environment, normal red blood cells (gain / lose / neither gain nor lose) water.
(f) The total solute concentration outside the cell is (lower than / higher than / equal to) the total solute concentration inside it.

(g) This red blood cell is in a(n) (hypertonic / hypotonic / isotonic) solution.
(h) In this environment, normal red blood cells (gain / lose / neither gain nor lose] water.
(i) The total solute concentration outside the cell is (lower than / higher than $/$ equal to ) the total solute concentration inside it.

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Key Concepts

Hypotonic Solution

A hypotonic solution has a lower concentration of solutes outside the cell compared to the inside. As a result, water enters the cell by osmosis, which can lead to the cell swelling or even bursting, if the influx of water is excessive.

Osmosis

Osmosis is the movement of water across a selectively permeable membrane from an area of lower solute concentration to an area of higher solute concentration. This process is fundamental in regulating the water balance in cells, ensuring that they maintain proper function and structure.

Tonicity

Tonicity refers to the concentration of solutes in the solution surrounding a cell relative to the inside of the cell. It determines the direction and extent of water movement in or out of the cell, which in turn affects the cell’s volume and shape.

Hypertonic Solution

A hypertonic solution is characterized by a higher concentration of solutes outside the cell than inside. In such environments, water moves out of the cell via osmosis, causing the cell to shrink or become crenated.

Isotonic Solution

An isotonic solution has an equal concentration of solutes both inside and outside the cell. This balance prevents a net movement of water into or out of the cell, allowing the cell to maintain its normal size and shape.

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