Classification of solutions on the basis of osmotic pressure
On the basis of osmotic pressure solution can be classified into three broad categories.
- Isotonic solutions : Two solutions possessing same osmotic pressure at a given temperature are termed as isotonic solution. No osmosis occurs on isolation of these solutions when isolated through a semipermeable membrane.
- Hypertonic solutions : In the event that the medium has a lower convergence of water than the cell, implying that it is a concentrated solution, the cell will lose water by osmosis. . Such a solution is known as a hypertonic solution. Once more, water crosses the cell layer in both directions, yet this time more water leaves the cell than enters it. In this manner the cell will shrink.
- Hypotonic solutions : In the event that the medium encompassing the cell has a higher water concentration than the cell, implying that the outside solution is extremely weaken, the cell will pick up water by osmosis. Such a solution is known as a hypotonic solution. Water particles are allowed to go over the cell layer in both directions, yet more water will come into the cell than will clear out. The net (general) result is that water enters the cell. The cell is prone to swell up.
- In case of cells with vacuoles
- Due to this reason people consuming more salty food suffer from water retention in their cell tissues and intercellular spaces resulting in swelling. This is known as edema.
- Movement of water from soil to the top of the tree is also due to the phenomenon of osmosis.
- Adding salt preserves the food from getting spoilt. Due to osmosis bacterium germinating on the food loses water and shrinks down. This kills the bacteria.
