If a solution is hypotonic, what does this indicate about its concentration?

A hypotonic solution indicates that the concentration of solutes outside the cell is lower than the concentration of solutes inside the cell. This means that water will move into the cell to balance the solute concentrations, potentially causing the cell to swell. In biological systems, this is crucial for understanding how cells interact with their environment.

If an external solution is hypotonic compared to the intracellular fluid, it leads to a net influx of water into the cell, which is essential for maintaining cell function and structure. The concept of tonicity is pivotal in various physiological processes, such as maintaining osmotic balance and nutrient absorption.