What is a hypotonic solution?

A hypotonic solution is defined as one that has a lesser concentration of solute compared to another solution. This characteristic means that when a cell is placed in a hypotonic solution, water tends to move into the cell. This influx of water can cause the cell to swell and, in extreme cases, can lead to lysis or bursting of the cell if the internal pressure becomes too great.

This concept is crucial, especially in biological contexts, where the movement of water across cell membranes is vital for maintaining homeostasis and proper cellular function. The differences in solute concentration between the hypotonic solution and the cell create an osmotic gradient that drives water movement. Understanding hypotonic solutions is essential in fields such as biology and medicine, especially in fluid therapy or when discussing the effects of different intravenous solutions on patient cells.