In science, there are a few different reactions which are well known to those who encounter them. It is important to know things like what the definition of hypotonic is. This will help you to be able to understand such things as what the reaction to the solution is when it is presented to plant and animal cells. It can lend itself as a precaution as well as making sure that you are able to get the results that you are looking for when creating experiments of your own.
There are three main things that you will need to know about a hypotonic solution. The first thing that you will need to know is what it consists of. You will also need to know its effect on cells. You will also need to know why the plant cells have a different reaction to the solution than do animal cells. Having this knowledge will help you to be able to understand more about what it is that you are doing in the laboratory and the real world applications of what you are doing.
Consistency of the Solution
Whenever you are messing with a hypotonic solution, it is a good idea to understand what the solution is that you are working with. This solution is has a lower concentration of solutes then other solutions. It also has less osmotic pressure. The result is that the solution has less of a concentration of impermeable solutes outside rather than inside of the cell membrane. The solution is created in the attempts to be able to get a certain reaction from the cells that it is being applied to. This can be of benefit to the cell or it can cause damage to it.
Effect on Cells
Once the solution has been applied to the cells, there is a different reaction for the cells. The first thing which will happen is that the cell will take on extra water molecules because it will be opened up by the solution. As the cell fills up, it can become unstable. If the cell takes on too much water, it will simply burst. This can cause destruction and possible elimination to the cells which it is applied to. Of course, it is important to note that not all cells are affected in this manner.
Difference for Plant Cells
Plant cells are mostly unaffected by the hypotonic solution. This is because the cell walls of the plant cells are stronger than the animal cells. The only thing which will happen is that the cell will take on extra water so that it will be able to swell and will take on the extra water. This can be a benefit to the cells as long as the plant can use the extra water later on. Often these solutions will be used in a weak form so that the cells will absorb the drug that it is being used in. This is done to benefit the health of the plant or the animal.