Microbiology: Water Movement and Osmosis

Aquaporin is a water channel protein that facilitates water movement across cell membranes.

In an isotonic solution, the cell stays the same size because water moves equally in and out.

In a hypertonic solution, the cell shrinks as water moves out toward the higher solute concentration.

In a hypotonic solution, the cell swells as water moves in toward the higher solute concentration inside the cell.

Water moves toward the area with more solute concentration.