What is the Difference Between Hypotonic and Hypertonic?
🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚The difference between hypotonic and hypertonic solutions lies in their solute concentrations and the effect they have on cell volume. Here are the main distinctions:
- Hypotonic solution:
- Has a lower concentration of solutes compared to another solution.
- Causes water to flow into the cell, resulting in the cell swelling.
- A plant cell becomes turgid when placed in a hypotonic solution.
- Commonly used in sports energy drinks to promote rapid absorption.
- Hypertonic solution:
- Has a higher concentration of solutes compared to another solution.
- Causes water to flow out of the cell, resulting in the cell shrinking.
- A plant cell undergoes plasmolysis in a hypertonic solution.
- Often used in sports energy drinks to provide sustained hydration and maintain proper osmotic pressure during exercise and recovery.
In summary, hypotonic solutions have lower solute concentrations and cause water to flow into cells, resulting in cell swelling, while hypertonic solutions have higher solute concentrations and cause water to flow out of cells, resulting in cell shrinkage.
On this pageWhat is the Difference Between Hypotonic and Hypertonic? Comparative Table: Hypotonic vs Hypertonic
Comparative Table: Hypotonic vs Hypertonic
The main differences between hypotonic and hypertonic solutions can be summarized in the following table:
| Feature | Hypotonic Solution | Hypertonic Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Solute Concentration | Lower than the cell's solute concentration | Higher than the cell's solute concentration |
| Osmotic Pressure | Lower than the cell's osmotic pressure | Higher than the cell's osmotic pressure |
| Net Flow of Water | Water flows into the cell, causing it to gain volume and swell | Water flows out of the cell, causing it to lose volume and shrink |
| Cell Type | Typically used for plant cells | Typically used for animal cells |
| Food Preservation | Does not help preserve food due to low salt and sugar concentration | Helps preserve food by rebalancing the concentration of a cell with its surrounding environment |
Read more:
- Isotonic vs Hypertonic
- Isosmotic Hyperosmotic vs Hypoosmotic
- Isotonic vs Isosmotic
- Hypernatremia vs Hyponatremia
- Hypertonia vs Hypotonia
- Hypo vs Hyper
- Hypovolemia vs Hypervolemia
- Hypertension vs Hypotension
- Isotonic vs Isometric
- Hypertension vs High Blood Pressure
- Osmolality vs Osmolarity
- Osmosis vs Plasmolysis
- Hyperkalemia vs Hypokalemia
- Water Potential vs Osmotic Potential
- Hyperventilation vs Hypoventilation
- Hypertrophy vs Atrophy
- Tonicity vs Osmolarity
- Plasmolysis vs Hemolysis
- Molarity vs Osmolarity