hypotonic
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Introduction
A solution with less osmotic pressure or tonicity than plasma or interstitial fluid. This results in a net flow of water across semipermeable membranes. Thus bathing cells in culture within a hypotonic solution will cause water to diffuse into the cells across the cell membrane, causing the cells to expand or burst.
Additional terms
References
- ↑ Dorland's Medical Dictionary, 23rd ed., WB Saunders, Philadelphia, 1990