The ability of a solution surrounding a cell to cause that cell to gain or lose water (also known as solvent).​

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What is Tonicity?

How is water able to move?

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​Tonicity, or the movement of water, is controlled by the concentrations and movement of solutes (stuff in water). The two types of solute movement are shown in the picture.

​A hypotonic solution has a lower concentration of solutes and more water than another solution. ​In the image above the solution (water) is hypotonic compared to the cell.

Hypotonic

​Isotonic solutions contain the same concentrations of solutes.

Isotonic

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​If a solution has a higher concentration of solute (less water)​ than another it is said to be hypertonic. In the image above, the solution (water) has a higher concentration of solute than the cell.

Hypertonic

When setting up the lab we used multiple types of solutes like vinegar and vanilla extract. Each of these solutes have a different water concentration. ​

Solute Water Concentration

Vinegar: 93-95% water

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Vanilla: 90-95% water

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Lime Juice:​ 60-80% water

Solute Water Concentration