Hypertonic Solution:

- A hypertonic solution is one in which the concentration of solutes is higher outside the cell compared to inside the cell.
- When a cell is placed in a hypertonic solution, water will move out of the cell through osmosis, causing the cell to shrink or shrivel up.
- This is because the higher concentration of solutes outside the cell creates a concentration gradient that drives water out of the cell to try to equalize the concentration on both sides of the cell membrane.
- Hypertonic solutions can cause cells to become dehydrated and can have detrimental effects on cellular function.

Hypotonic Solution:

- A hypotonic solution is one in which the concentration of solutes is lower outside the cell compared to inside the cell.
- When a cell is placed in a hypotonic solution, water will move into the cell through osmosis, causing the cell to swell or even burst.
- This is because the higher concentration of solutes inside the cell creates a concentration gradient that drives water into the cell to try to equalize the concentration on both sides of the cell membrane.
- Hypotonic solutions can cause cells to take on too much water, leading to swelling and potential lysis.

Differences:

- The main difference between hypertonic and hypotonic solutions lies in the direction of water movement and the effect on cell size.
- In hypertonic solutions, water moves out of the cell, causing it to shrink, while in hypotonic solutions, water moves into the cell, causing it to swell.
- Hypertonic solutions lead to dehydration and shrinking of cells, while hypotonic solutions can cause cells to burst due to excessive swelling.
- The concentration of solutes outside the cell relative to inside the cell determines whether a solution is hypertonic or hypotonic and dictates the direction of water movement.