Tonicity and Osmosis are closely related. It is a comparative term which describes the concentration of one solution as compared to another solution. Its the capability of one solution to modify the volume of cells by altering their water content. But what is a concentration?
Concentration describes the amount of solutes dissolved in a solution
Solutions are made up of two parts
(A) Solute- the solid part e.g. salt
(B) Solvent- the liquid part e.g. Water
Solute+ Solvent= Solution
There are three types of tonicity,
Hypertonic
This when a solution has a higher concentration of solutes (more dissolved particles) than another. 80%+20% = 100%
Hypotonic
This is when a solution has less solutes and more solvents than another.
20%+80% =100%
Isotonic
This is when a solution has equal amounts of solvents and solutes as another.
50%+50% =100%
Tonicity helps us determine how and where particles move! The following video explains how tonicity work, after watching complete table 1.0 with your observations and explanations.
Hypertonic Solution
Blood cells placed in an hypertonic solution will have a lower concentration of solutes (dissolved particles) than the solution itself. This means that water would be greatest within the blood cell and will therefore leave the cell to where its lower. The cell will therefore become flaccid and can be compared to a deflated balloon that was once filled with water.
Hypotonic Solution
Blood cells placed in an hypotonic solution will have a higher concentration of solutes (dissolved particles) than the solution. Water is therefore lesser in the blood cell and will take in water to where there's less. The cell will therefore become larger or swell (turgid) and can be compared to a balloon filled with water.
Isotonic Solution
Blood cells placed in an isotonic solution will have the same concentration of solutes (dissolved particles) to that of the solution. Water will therefore be of similar volume inside and outside the cell making the cell normal.
Table 1.0 observe and explain the changes seen in each raisins
