What is the term for a solution with a lower concentration of a solute compared to another solution?

The term "hypotonic" refers to a solution that has a lower concentration of solute compared to another solution, typically in reference to the concentration of solutes in relation to the fluid inside a cell. When a solution is hypotonic relative to the interior of a cell, it means that the concentration of solutes (like salts) is lower outside the cell than inside. This discrepancy causes water to flow into the cell in an attempt to balance the solute concentrations, which may result in the cell swelling or even bursting.

In a biological context, this characteristic is particularly important in processes such as osmosis, where the movement of water across a semipermeable membrane is driven by differences in solute concentration. Understanding the concept of hypotonic solutions is crucial for comprehending how cells regulate their internal environments and maintain homeostasis.