What is the Difference Between Isotonic and Hypertonic?

The main difference between isotonic and hypertonic solutions lies in their osmotic pressure and the effect they have on cells. Here are the key differences:

• Isotonic: An isotonic solution has the same concentration of solutes (e.g., salt) as the cell's interior. When a cell is placed in an isotonic solution, there is no net water movement, so the cell's volume remains stable. Blood is a good example of an isotonic solution, as it has a similar concentration of solutes as the cells in our body.
• Hypertonic: A hypertonic solution has a higher concentration of solutes than the cell's interior. When a cell is placed in a hypertonic solution, water will leave the cell, causing the cell to lose volume and shrink. Hypertonic solutions are used to draw out moisture and help reduce swelling, such as post-surgery or with sinus issues.

In summary, an isotonic solution promotes no osmotic flow (because of having equal osmotic pressures), while a hypertonic solution promotes osmotic flow out of the cell. The net flow of water in a hypotonic solution, on the other hand, is into the cell, causing it to swell.

Comparative Table: Isotonic vs Hypertonic

The main differences between isotonic and hypertonic solutions are their solute concentrations and the effects on cells. Here is a table summarizing these differences:

In an isotonic solution, the solute concentrations inside and outside the cell are the same, meaning the solute concentrations cannot cross the membrane. This results in no net flow of water into or out of the cell, and the cell's volume remains stable. On the other hand, a hypertonic solution has a higher solute concentration outside the cell than inside. This causes a net flow of water out of the cell, resulting in the cell losing volume. Hypertonic solutions are helpful in food preservation as they can kill microbes in the food package.