Which term describes a solution with the same solute concentration as another?

Which term describes a solution with the same solute concentration as another?

• A. Hypertonic
• B. Dynamic equilibrium
• C. Isotonic
• D. Energy

Answer: (C)

Isotonic describes a situation where two solutions have the same solute concentration, so across a semipermeable membrane there’s no net movement of water. Water still moves in and out, but those movements balance out, keeping the cell’s size stable. This is why isotonic conditions keep cells from swelling or shrinking. In physiology, an isotonic solution has the same osmolarity as the cell’s interior, so the cell remains unchanged as water flow is balanced. Hypertonic would mean the outside solution has a higher solute concentration, pulling water out of the cell and causing it to shrink. Hypotonic means the outside solution has a lower solute concentration, causing water to enter the cell and potentially swell or burst. Dynamic equilibrium is a broader term for balanced movement in a system, not specifically describing equal solute concentrations between two solutions. Energy is not a defining factor here.

Isotonic describes a situation where two solutions have the same solute concentration, so across a semipermeable membrane there’s no net movement of water. Water still moves in and out, but those movements balance out, keeping the cell’s size stable. This is why isotonic conditions keep cells from swelling or shrinking.

In physiology, an isotonic solution has the same osmolarity as the cell’s interior, so the cell remains unchanged as water flow is balanced.

Hypertonic would mean the outside solution has a higher solute concentration, pulling water out of the cell and causing it to shrink. Hypotonic means the outside solution has a lower solute concentration, causing water to enter the cell and potentially swell or burst. Dynamic equilibrium is a broader term for balanced movement in a system, not specifically describing equal solute concentrations between two solutions. Energy is not a defining factor here.