Isotonic, Hypotonic, and Hypotonic
by Miles Cunningham
Osmosis
Osmosis is the diffusion of water across a selectively permeable membrane the concentration from this is equal on both inside and outside of the cell.
Isotonic Solution
In an isotonic solution the concentration of dissolved substances in the solution is the same on the inside of the cell as it is on the outside of the cell allowing the cell to maintain its normal shape with the rate of water entering and exiting at the same rate.
Hypotonic Solution
In a hypotonic solution the concentration of dissolved substances is lower in the solution outside the cell than inside the cell. In this process animal cells are said to swell until they burst.
Hypertonic Solution
In a hypotonic solution the concentration of dissolved substances outside the cell is higher than inside the cell. In this process animal cells are known to shrivel up as they lose water.