How do cells respond to environments with different solute concentrations?

Answer 1

There are three types of solute concentrations, Isotonic, Hypotonic and Hypertonic. The prefix refers to how much solute is in the solution as compared to the inside of the cell.

In Isotonic, the cell and solution have the same concentration of solute, so the cell stays the same size.

In Hypertonic, the cell has less solute than the solution, and therefore gives water to to balance out and shrivels.

In Hypotonic, the cell has more solute than the solution, and accepts water from the solution, thereby swelling, which is potentially beneficial in plant cells but can destroy animal cells.

I hope this answers your questions. Isotonic is the best for animals, hypotonic is the best for plants.

Answer 2

Cells respond to environments with different solute concentrations through a process called osmoregulation. In a hypertonic environment, where solute concentration is higher outside the cell, water will move out of the cell, leading to shrinkage. In a hypotonic environment, where solute concentration is lower outside the cell, water will move into the cell, causing it to swell or even burst. Cells use mechanisms like ion pumps and osmosis to maintain internal balance in changing solute concentrations.