Isotonic

In the context of biology and chemistry, 'isotonic' describes a solution that has the same osmotic pressure as another solution, often the surrounding cell environment. This means there is no net movement of water across a semipermeable membrane separating the two solutions. The concentrations of solute particles are equal on both sides, preventing the cell from shrinking (crenation) or swelling (lysis) due to osmosis. This balance is crucial for maintaining cellular integrity and function. isotonic solutions are commonly used in medical and biological applications, for example, intravenous fluids.

Isotonic meaning with examples

• Intravenous saline solutions are often isotonic to human blood plasma, ensuring that the administered fluid doesn't cause cells to gain or lose water, which could damage them. This careful balance is crucial for patient health.
• When preparing cell cultures, researchers use isotonic buffers to create a suitable environment where cells can thrive without being subjected to osmotic stress and thus can be used to study cell behavior.
• Sports drinks are designed to be isotonic, enabling rapid fluid absorption and electrolyte replacement, helping athletes stay hydrated without causing digestive upset, especially in endurance events.
• The laboratory technician meticulously prepared an isotonic solution for the experiment, ensuring the red blood cells would maintain their normal shape and function, providing accurate results for their study.