What are the types of solutions on the basis of osmotic pressure?

The types of solutions based on osmotic pressure are categorized by how their solute concentration compares to another solution, typically a cell. These types are crucial in understanding osmosis, the movement of solvent across a semipermeable membrane. According to the reference, the three types of osmotic solutions are:

Types of Osmotic Solutions

Here's a breakdown of each type:

• Isotonic Solutions: In an isotonic solution, the solute concentration is the same on both sides of the cell membrane. This means there's no net movement of water into or out of the cell, and the cell's volume remains stable.

  • Example: A 0.9% saline solution is isotonic to red blood cells.

• Hypertonic Solutions: A hypertonic solution has a higher solute concentration than inside the cell. This causes water to move out of the cell, leading it to shrink, a process known as crenation in animal cells or plasmolysis in plant cells. According to the reference, exosmosis involves the use of a hypertonic solution.

  • Example: Placing a red blood cell in a 10% saline solution will cause it to shrink.

• Hypotonic Solutions: A hypotonic solution has a lower solute concentration than inside the cell. This causes water to move into the cell, potentially causing it to swell and burst (lyse) in animal cells. In plant cells, the cell becomes turgid, which is normal and maintains the plant's rigidity. According to the reference, endosmosis involves the use of a hypotonic solution.

  • Example: Placing a red blood cell in distilled water will cause it to swell and potentially burst.

Summary Table of Osmotic Solutions