Cell Containing 85% Water And 15% Sugar Is Placed In A Solution Of 90% Water And 10% Sugar What Type Of Solution Is This
Introduction
In the realm of biology, solutions play a crucial role in various cellular processes. A solution is a homogeneous mixture of two or more substances, where one substance (the solute) is dissolved in another substance (the solvent). In this article, we will discuss a scenario where a cell containing 85% water and 15% sugar is placed in a solution of 90% water and 10% sugar. We will explore the type of solution that results from this interaction.
Understanding Solutions
A solution can be classified into two main types: heterogeneous and homogeneous. A heterogeneous solution is a mixture where the solute particles are not uniformly distributed throughout the solvent, resulting in a visible separation of the components. On the other hand, a homogeneous solution is a mixture where the solute particles are uniformly distributed throughout the solvent, resulting in a uniform mixture.
Types of Solutions
There are several types of solutions, including:
- Aqueous solutions: These are solutions where water is the solvent. Aqueous solutions are the most common type of solution and are found in living organisms.
- Non-aqueous solutions: These are solutions where a solvent other than water is used. Non-aqueous solutions are less common and are often used in laboratory settings.
- Colloidal solutions: These are solutions where the solute particles are dispersed in the solvent but do not dissolve. Colloidal solutions are often used in food and cosmetic products.
- Supersaturated solutions: These are solutions where the solute particles are dissolved in the solvent at a concentration higher than the equilibrium concentration.
The Scenario: Cell in a Solution
In the scenario presented, a cell containing 85% water and 15% sugar is placed in a solution of 90% water and 10% sugar. To determine the type of solution that results from this interaction, we need to consider the properties of the cell and the solution.
Osmosis and Diffusion
When the cell is placed in the solution, osmosis and diffusion occur. Osmosis is the movement of water molecules from an area of high concentration to an area of low concentration through a semipermeable membrane. Diffusion is the movement of solute particles from an area of high concentration to an area of low concentration.
Hypotonic, Isotonic, and Hypertonic Solutions
The cell and the solution can be classified as hypotonic, isotonic, or hypertonic based on their solute concentrations.
- Hypotonic solution: A solution where the solute concentration is lower than the cell's solute concentration.
- Isotonic solution: A solution where the solute concentration is equal to the cell's solute concentration.
- Hypertonic solution: A solution where the solute concentration is higher than the cell's solute concentration.
Determining the Type of Solution
To determine the type of solution that results from the interaction between the cell and the solution, we need to compare the solute concentrations of the cell and the solution.
- Hypotonic solution: If the solution's solute concentration (10% sugar) is lower than the cell's solute concentration (15% sugar), the solution is hypotonic.
- Isotonic solution: If the solution's solute concentration (10% sugar) is equal to the cell's solute concentration (15% sugar), the solution is isotonic.
- Hypertonic solution: If the solution's solute concentration (10% sugar) is higher than the cell's solute concentration (15% sugar), the solution is hypertonic.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when a cell containing 85% water and 15% sugar is placed in a solution of 90% water and 10% sugar, the resulting solution is hypotonic. This is because the solution's solute concentration (10% sugar) is lower than the cell's solute concentration (15% sugar). The cell will experience an influx of water molecules through osmosis, resulting in an increase in cell volume.
References
- Biology: The Dynamic Science by Cecie Starr, Ralph Taggart, and Christine Evers
- Cell Biology by Michael J. Farley
- Solutions and Colloids by John W. Hill and Ralph H. Petrucci
Glossary
- Aqueous solution: A solution where water is the solvent.
- Colloidal solution: A solution where the solute particles are dispersed in the solvent but do not dissolve.
- Homogeneous solution: A solution where the solute particles are uniformly distributed throughout the solvent.
- Hypertonic solution: A solution where the solute concentration is higher than the cell's solute concentration.
- Hypotonic solution: A solution where the solute concentration is lower than the cell's solute concentration.
- Isotonic solution: A solution where the solute concentration is equal to the cell's solute concentration.
- Non-aqueous solution: A solution where a solvent other than water is used.
- Osmosis: The movement of water molecules from an area of high concentration to an area of low concentration through a semipermeable membrane.
- Supersaturated solution: A solution where the solute particles are dissolved in the solvent at a concentration higher than the equilibrium concentration.
Introduction
In our previous article, we discussed the scenario where a cell containing 85% water and 15% sugar is placed in a solution of 90% water and 10% sugar. We determined that the resulting solution is hypotonic. In this article, we will answer some frequently asked questions related to this scenario.
Q&A
Q1: What is the difference between a hypotonic and a hypertonic solution?
A1: A hypotonic solution is a solution where the solute concentration is lower than the cell's solute concentration. On the other hand, a hypertonic solution is a solution where the solute concentration is higher than the cell's solute concentration.
Q2: What happens to the cell when it is placed in a hypotonic solution?
A2: When a cell is placed in a hypotonic solution, it will experience an influx of water molecules through osmosis. This will result in an increase in cell volume.
Q3: What is the purpose of osmosis in a cell?
A3: Osmosis is an essential process in a cell that helps to regulate the concentration of solutes and water. It allows the cell to maintain its internal environment and prevent damage from excessive water or solute concentrations.
Q4: Can a cell survive in a hypertonic solution?
A4: A cell can survive in a hypertonic solution, but it will experience a loss of water molecules through osmosis. This can lead to a decrease in cell volume and potentially cause damage to the cell.
Q5: What is the difference between a homogeneous and a heterogeneous solution?
A5: A homogeneous solution is a solution where the solute particles are uniformly distributed throughout the solvent. On the other hand, a heterogeneous solution is a solution where the solute particles are not uniformly distributed throughout the solvent.
Q6: Can a cell be placed in a solution that is isotonic to it?
A6: Yes, a cell can be placed in a solution that is isotonic to it. In this case, the solute concentration of the solution is equal to the solute concentration of the cell. The cell will not experience any net movement of water molecules through osmosis.
Q7: What is the purpose of a semipermeable membrane in a cell?
A7: A semipermeable membrane is a membrane that allows certain molecules to pass through while preventing others. In a cell, the semipermeable membrane regulates the movement of water and solutes in and out of the cell.
Q8: Can a cell be placed in a solution that is supersaturated?
A8: Yes, a cell can be placed in a solution that is supersaturated. However, this can lead to the formation of crystals or other precipitates, which can potentially damage the cell.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the scenario where a cell containing 85% water and 15% sugar is placed in a solution of 90% water and 10% sugar is a classic example of osmosis and diffusion. We hope that this Q&A article has provided you with a better understanding of the concepts involved.
References
- Biology: The Dynamic Science by Cecie Starr, Ralph Taggart, and Christine Evers
- Cell Biology by Michael J. Farley
- Solutions and Colloids by John W. Hill and Ralph H. Petrucci
Glossary
- Aqueous solution: A solution where water is the solvent.
- Colloidal solution: A solution where the solute particles are dispersed in the solvent but do not dissolve.
- Homogeneous solution: A solution where the solute particles are uniformly distributed throughout the solvent.
- Hypertonic solution: A solution where the solute concentration is higher than the cell's solute concentration.
- Hypotonic solution: A solution where the solute concentration is lower than the cell's solute concentration.
- Isotonic solution: A solution where the solute concentration is equal to the cell's solute concentration.
- Non-aqueous solution: A solution where a solvent other than water is used.
- Osmosis: The movement of water molecules from an area of high concentration to an area of low concentration through a semipermeable membrane.
- Supersaturated solution: A solution where the solute particles are dissolved in the solvent at a concentration higher than the equilibrium concentration.