Hypotonic and Hypertonic Solution

In our day-to-day existence, we rarely come across pure materials. Their usage and significance in our life depend upon their composition. A solution that comprises two types of components: solute and solvent. A solution is a homogeneous combination where all particles exist as single molecules or ions. However, in the solution, the solute size varies. By homogenous mix, we conclude that its properties are consistent all through the mixture.

A solution with a lower solute concentration as compared to a solvent is called a hypotonic solution. In contrast, a solution with a high solute concentration as compared to a solvent is called a hypertonic solution. A hypotonic solution has low osmotic pressure, and hypertonic solutions retain comparatively high osmotic pressure.

Hypotonic Solution

A solution that has a lower amount of solute in the solution is referred to as a hypotonic solution: Hypo=less, tonic=strength. A cell contains less amount of water than a hypotonic solution. Purewater is also a hypotonic solution. If a red blood cell is placed under a hypotonic solution, the red blood cell will fill up with the hypotonic solution as the red blood cell has no cell wall. The solution produces enough pressure, and eventually, the red blood cell will burst. This is the purpose when we pour water on bloodstain the fabric makes the smudge worse. In biology, the solution outside of the cell is called a hypotonic solution if the cytosol of the cell has more solutes than the solution. But in the case of a plant cell, it possesses a cell wall. So when a plant cell is placed under a hypotonic solution, the central part, which is the vacuole, takes up the additional water and tugs the cell membrane against the cell wall.  But the nature of the cell wall is rigid, so it drags back, prohibiting cells from bursting.

Examples

• To treat dehydration to the patients, hospitals use hypotonic solutions that are mostly used to deliver fluids intravenously

• Distilled water in comparison to cell

• Saline solutions which are used in medicines that have a nominal amount of solute than our blood that is 0.25% and 0.45% saline and 2.5% dextrose solution

• Drinks that are prepared using a small proportion of carbohydrates which is up to 6% solution

Hypertonic Solution

Hyper= more, tonic=strength. A solution that has more amount of solute than solvent in a solution is referred to as a hypertonic solution. If the cytosol of the cell is a hypertonic solution, then it suggests that the surrounding environment is of a hypotonic solution. The solute and the solvent flow according to their concentration gradient. Saltwater is the hypertonic solution. If a cell is set under hypertonic solution, osmotic pressure manages to move water outside of the cell to equalize the concentrations on either side of the cell membrane. In the vacuole part of the plant cell, there is the hypertonic solution. Plant cell uses that hypertonic solution to draw water into the vacuole. By this, turgor pressure is increased within the cell. Nerve cells of animals depend on the hypertonic solution ions. The ions generate an action potential.

Examples

• Sugary drinks are a kind of hypertonic solution as they contain more amount of sugar than water

• Hypertonic solutions are also operated in injections and hospital IV drips

• They are given to patients with edema and are used to replace electrolytes

• The patients who are undergoing traumatic brain injuries are treated with 7% or 23% hypertonic saline

• The babies who are at more risk of hypoglycemia are treated with 10% dextrose in water

Difference between Hypotonic and Hypertonic Solution

Conclusion

A hypotonic solution is a type of solution which encompasses anything that contains more water and limited solute compared to the cells. A hypertonic solution is a kind of solution which encompasses anything that contains more electrolytes or molecules than solvent or water. Both solutions behave in their own way according to their properties. Both the solutions play a pivotal role in the living systems of plants as well as animals.