Osmosis in Cells

•If the solute concentration outside the cell is less than that inside the cell, the solution is hypotonic.

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•Water will flow into the cell, and hemolysis results.

(a) A cell placed in an isotonic solution. The net movement of water in and out of the cell is zero because the concentration of solutes inside and outside the cell is the same.

(b) In a hypertonic solution, the concentration of solutes outside the cell is greater than that inside. There is a net flow of water out of the cell, causing the cell to dehydrate, shrink, and perhaps die.

 (c) In a hypotonic solution, the concentration of solutes outside of the cell is less than that inside. There is a net flow of water into the cell, causing the cell to swell and perhaps to burst.

•If the solute concentration outside the cell is greater than that inside the cell, the solution is hypertonic.

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•Water will flow out of the cell, and crenation results.