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What is meant by hypotonic and hypertonic solutions?

A hypotonic solution refers to a solution that contains less solute (more water) compared to the cytoplasm of the cell. If the solution surrounding the cell is hypotonic osmosis causes water to have a net flow into the cell, thus, resulting in the swelling and expansion of the cell.
 A hypertonic solution is the one which has a greater concentration of solute outside of cell than inside.
    Water potential is higher; osmotic potential is lower
    Net movement of water from the cell to the solution across a semi-permeable membrane
    In excess, causes crenation in animal cells and plasmolysis in plant cells.


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