Definition of hypotonic solution isotonic solution and hypertonic solution

Hypotonic solution: lower concentration of solutes compared to a medium or reference solution.

Isotonic solution: same concentration of solutes compared to another solution.

Hypertonic solution: higher concentration of solutes compared to another one.

Explanation:

A solution is a mixture where a solute is diluted in a solvent that is usually homogeneous, and the solute and solvent do not interact through chemical reactions.

In biology, we speak of hypertonic, isotonic and hypotonic solutions when comparing intracellular and extracellular media at a given time. Taking as reference the cellular cytoplasm:

The difference in concentrations given by the hypotonic and hypertonic solutions define the dynamics of the movement of solutes or water through the cell membrane, forming gradients, where a solute passes from the place of highest concentration to the place of lowest concentration, or the water passes from the medium with the lowest concentration of solutes to the one with the highest concentration.