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Solution definition: hyper-, hypo-, isotonic solutions

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Solution definition

A solution is a homogeneous mixture of two or more substances. One of the substances is called a solvent (a substance in which other substance or substances are dissolved). The substances dissolved in a solvent are called solutes.

A solution can exist in a solid, liquid or gas form depending on mixed substances and external conditions such as temperature and pressure.

Isotonic, hypertonic, hypotonic solutions

Terms isotonic, hypertonic and hypotonic are usually used when a reference to cell of a living organism is made, but it can be generally used to compare concentration of a solute in two solutions.

Isotonic solutions

Isotonic solutions are two solutions that have the same concentration of a solute.

Hypertonic solution

Hypertonic solution is one of two solutions that has a higher concentration of a solute.

Hypotonic solution

Hypotonic solution is one of two solutions that has a lower concentration of a solute.