D2.3 Water Potential

Question 1

Definition of Hypotonic

Answer 1

Water moving into the cell via osmosis

Question 2

Effects of Hypotonic Solutions without a Cell Wall

Answer 2

Influx of water causes cell to swell and can reach a point where it undergoes lysis due to increased internal pressure

Question 3

Definition of Hypertonic

Answer 3

Water leaves cell via osmosis

Question 4

Effects of Hypertonic Solutions without a Cell Wall

Answer 4

Leads to cell shrinking and cremating due to loss of water, which can lead to cellular damage.

Question 5

Function of Contractile Vacuoles

Answer 5

Actively expel water from the cell to maintain intracellular solute concentration

Question 6

Effects of Hypotonic Solutions with a Cell Wall

Answer 6

Increase in internal pressure exerted by cytoplasm against the cell wall which prevents from bursting

Question 7

Effects of Hypertonic Solutions with a Cell Wall

Answer 7

Cell membrane shrinks away from the wall (Plasmolysis), which makes the cell lose turgor pressure and can lead to irreversible damage of cells.

Question 8

Definition of Isotonic

Answer 8

No net movement of water across a semipermeable membrane between the two solutions because the osmotic pressure is balanced

Question 9

Function of isotonic fluids

Answer 9

Can be given intravenously through the vein which creates rapid absorption that bypasses the digestive system. Hence, this can replace lost fluids, administer drugs and nutrients or transfuse blood

Question 10

Why are organs for transplant bathed/preserved in isotonic solutions?

Answer 10

Specialized solution is formulated to provide optimal condition to protect from damage, provide nutrients or prevent gain or loss of water.