Hypotonic

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Hypotonic (pronounced: hi-po-TON-ik) is a term used in medicine and biology to describe a solution that has a lower osmotic pressure than another solution. The term is derived from the Greek words 'hypo', meaning 'under', and 'tonos', meaning 'tension'.

Definition

A hypotonic solution has a lower concentration of solutes than another solution. In the context of cellular biology, a hypotonic solution may cause a cell to swell due to water uptake.

Comparison with Other Terms

Hypotonic is often compared with two other terms: hypertonic and isotonic. A hypertonic solution has a higher concentration of solutes and can cause a cell to shrink due to water loss. An isotonic solution has an equal concentration of solutes as another solution, meaning that there is no net movement of water into or out of the cell.

Clinical Significance

In medicine, understanding the concept of hypotonicity is important for treatments involving intravenous fluids. For example, hypotonic solutions are often used to treat patients with dehydration or high sodium levels. However, they must be used with caution as they can potentially cause cells to swell and burst.

Related Terms

  • Osmosis: The process by which water moves from an area of low solute concentration (hypotonic) to an area of high solute concentration (hypertonic).
  • Tonicity: The ability of a solution to cause a cell to gain or lose water.
  • Osmotic pressure: The pressure that needs to be applied to a solution to prevent the inward flow of water across a semipermeable membrane.

External links

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