Isotonic, Hypotonic, and

Hypertonic Solutions

Water molecules naturally move randomly in and out of a cell through

the cell membrane. They naturally move from high concentration to
low concentration, until equilibrium is meet.

The direction the water molecules move depends on whether the

cells environment is isotonic, hypotonic, or hypertonic.

The total concentration of molecules is the same on both sides on of

the cell (inside the cell and outside of the cell): equilibrium
Random movement still occurs, but molecules enter and exit the cell
at the same rate

What is a hypertonic solution?

Hypertonic solution has a higher concentration of water molecules
inside the cell and a lower concentration of water molecules outside
the cell
Water molecules more out of the cell

Cell shrinks

What is hypotonic solutions?

Hypotonic solutions have a higher concentration of water molecules
outside the cell and a lower concentration of water molecules inside
the cell.

Water molecules will move inside the cell.

Cell will expand