Hypotonic vs. Hypertonic — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on May 7, 2024
Hypotonic solutions have a lower concentration of solutes compared to the inside of a cell, causing water to enter the cell, while hypertonic solutions have a higher concentration, leading to water exiting the cell.
Difference Between Hypotonic and Hypertonic
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Hypotonic solutions are characterized by having fewer solutes outside the cell than inside, which leads to water moving into the cell through osmosis. Whereas hypertonic solutions contain more solutes outside the cell than inside, causing water to flow out of the cell to balance the solute concentration. This movement of water can significantly affect cell volume and function.
In a hypotonic environment, cells such as those in fresh water may swell because water enters to equalize solute concentrations on both sides of the cell membrane. On the other hand, cells in a hypertonic solution, such as those in salt water, may shrink as water exits to balance the higher external solute concentration.
The effect of a hypotonic solution is often visible in plant cells, which become turgid and firm as the cell expands against its rigid cell wall. In contrast, plant cells in hypertonic environments become plasmolyzed as they lose water and the cell membrane detaches from the cell wall.
Animal cells, when placed in a hypotonic solution, can burst due to excessive water intake, a condition known as lysis. However, in a hypertonic solution, animal cells undergo crenation, where they shrivel due to water loss.
Medical applications utilize hypotonic solutions to hydrate cells, whereas hypertonic solutions are used therapeutically to reduce swelling by drawing water out of tissues.
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Comparison Chart
Solute Concentration
Lower than the cell’s interior
Higher than the cell’s interior
Water Movement
Into the cell
Out of the cell
Cell Response
Cell swells or bursts (lysis in animal cells)
Cell shrinks or crenates (animal cells)
Typical Environment
Freshwater environments
Saltwater or saline environments
Usage
Hydrating tissues
Reducing edema or swelling
Compare with Definitions
Hypotonic
Common in freshwater habitats.
Freshwater fish regulate their internal osmoregulation in hypotonic environments.
Hypertonic
Common in saline environments.
Organisms in hypertonic environments often exhibit adaptations like highly efficient water retention.
Hypotonic
Solution causing cell expansion.
Hypotonic solutions are often used to maintain plant cell turgidity.
Hypertonic
Can cause crenation in animal cells.
Hypertonic solutions can lead to the crenation of blood cells in clinical settings.
Hypotonic
Used medically to hydrate cells.
Hypotonic IV solutions are administered to quickly rehydrate patients.
Hypertonic
Solution causing cell shrinkage.
Hypertonic solutions are used in labs to study the effects of dehydration on cells.
Hypotonic
Having less solute concentration outside than inside a cell.
A hypotonic drink helps athletes replenish fluids without excess solutes.
Hypertonic
Used medically to reduce swelling.
Hypertonic saline is used in medical treatments to draw fluids from cells.
Hypotonic
Having less than normal tone or tension, as of muscles or arteries.
Hypertonic
Having more solute concentration outside than inside a cell.
Seawater is hypertonic to most marine life, influencing osmoregulation.
Hypotonic
(Chemistry) Having the lower osmotic pressure of two solutions.
Hypertonic
Having a higher osmotic pressure than a particular fluid, typically a body fluid or intracellular fluid.
Hypotonic
(of a solution) Having a lower osmotic pressure than another.
Hypertonic
Of or in a state of abnormally high muscle tone.
Hypotonic
(medicine) Showing less than normal tension in the muscles or muscle tissue.
Hypertonic
(Physiology) Having extreme muscular or arterial tension.
Hypotonic
(of living tissue) lacking normal tone or tension
Hypertonic
(Chemistry) Having the higher osmotic pressure of two solutions.
Hypotonic
(used of solutions) having the same or equal osmotic pressure
Hypertonic
(of a solution) Having a greater osmotic pressure than another.
Hypertonic
(anatomy) Having a very high muscular tension; spastic.
Hypertonic
In a state of abnormally high tension; - of muscle.
Hypertonic
(of living tissue) in a state of abnormally high tension;
Hypertonic muscle tissue
Hypertonic
(used of solutions) having the same or equal osmotic pressure
Common Curiosities
What is a hypertonic solution?
A hypertonic solution has a higher solute concentration outside the cell than inside.
What happens to cells in a hypertonic solution?
Cells in a hypertonic solution shrink or crenate as water exits the cell.
How do cells react in a hypotonic solution?
Cells in a hypotonic solution typically swell or even burst due to water influx.
What defines a hypotonic solution?
A hypotonic solution has a lower solute concentration compared to the cell’s interior.
How do hypotonic solutions affect plant cells?
Plant cells become turgid and firm in hypotonic solutions.
Can hypertonic solutions harm cells?
Yes, hypertonic solutions can cause cells to shrink and potentially detach from each other, causing tissue damage.
What medical uses do hypotonic solutions have?
They are used to hydrate cells and tissues rapidly.
What examples of hypotonic environments can be found in nature?
Freshwater lakes and rivers where the water solute concentration is lower than that inside aquatic organisms.
What role does osmosis play in hypotonic and hypertonic environments?
Osmosis drives water across cell membranes to balance solute concentrations.
How do hypertonic solutions help in medical diagnostics?
They are used in procedures like shrinking tissues to better visualize cellular components under a microscope.
Can the environment affect the tonicity of a solution?
Yes, environmental solute levels directly influence whether a solution is hypotonic or hypertonic.
Why are hypertonic solutions used in swelling reduction?
They draw water out of tissues, reducing swelling and edema.
What is the risk of using hypertonic solutions in hydration therapies?
If not carefully monitored, they can dehydrate cells and tissues, leading to complications.
Are hypotonic solutions safe for all cells?
No, they can lead to cell lysis if the water influx is too great.
How do animal cells handle hypertonic environments?
They adapt by mechanisms like increasing internal solute concentrations to prevent excessive water loss.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
