What does hypertonic mean with respect to solute concentration?

Hypertonic refers to a solution that has a higher concentration of solutes compared to another solution, typically the solution inside a cell. When a cell is placed in a hypertonic solution, the concentration of solutes outside the cell is greater than that inside, causing water to move out of the cell and into the surrounding environment in an effort to balance the concentrations. This movement of water can lead to cell shrinkage or crenation as the cell loses water.

This definition emphasizes the relationship between solute and solvent in hypertonic conditions, indicating that there is less water relative to the amount of solute compared to another solution, often one that is isotonic or hypotonic. Understanding this concept is crucial in cell biology, as it relates to how cells interact with their environment and maintain homeostasis through osmosis.