Chapter 8, Problem 90P

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

Whether the solution depicted in given molecular art is a hypertonic, hypotonic or isotonic solution should be determined.

Concept introduction:

The phenomenon of osmosis may be defined as the process that allows the movement of solvent from a region of high solvent concentration to a region of low solvent concentration. The colligative property associated with osmosis is termed as osmotic pressure which may be defined as the least amount of pressure that must be exerted on the solution side so as to prevent the flow of pure solvent across the membrane.

There are three kinds of solutions in the biological systems namely hypotonic, hypertonic and isotonic solutions.

The relative concentration of the fluid in the extracellular region determines the type of solution. In hypertonic solution, there is a net outward flow of solvent due to which the cell shrinks in size because the concentration of solvent is high in the intracellular region compared to outside the cell.

When a cell is placed inside a hypotonic solution there is a net inward flow of solvent due to which the cell swells up. This happens because the concentration of the solvent is high in the extracellular region compared to within the cell.

The solutions which have equal osmotic pressure are said to be isotonic with each other. There is no change to the cell when it is placed in an isotonic solution. The solutions that are intravenously administered must be isotonic with the concentration of fluids present inside the cells.