Question

What is a hypotonic solution?

Answer 1

Hint: Osmotic pressure can be described as minimal pressure that must be applied to a solution to stop the flow of solvent molecules. This property depends on the concentration of the solute particles present in the solution and is, therefore, one of the colligative properties.

Complete step-by-step answer:
Based on osmotic pressure, the solution can be divided into three groups such as isotonic solution, hypotonic solution, and hypertonic solution.
Hypotonic solution If the medium that encompasses the cell has a higher water concentration than the cell, which implies that the external solution is extremely weak, the cell will pick up water by osmosis. Such a solution is known as a hypotonic solution. A hypertonic solution is one in which there is a larger concentration or number of solute particles on the external side of a membrane than there is on the internal side.
Examples of Hypotonic Solutions:
Animal Cells: Animal cells do not comprise a cell wall. Additionally, animals are dependent on their skin to divide the external environment from their inner organs. Consequently, the fluid in their body’s cavity is controlled through a series of proteins and membranes. The liquid remains isotonic or slightly hypotonic compared with the cells of the animal.
Plants and Fungi: The fungi and big plants monitor and control the surroundings all-around their cells. Additionally, it helps to make sure that the environment is always a hypotonic solution compared with cells.

Note: A hypotonic solution means something that contains less solute concentration compared with another solution. A solution is not isotonic, hypotonic, or hypertonic if there is no solution for comparison.