Isoosmotic Solution

[Hopetocure2012]

What is the effect on the volume of cells suspended initially in an isosmotic fluid and then transferred to an isosmotic solution of a) glucose (impermeable solute), b) urea (freely permeable solute)?

As I understand with urea, the cell expands and bursts, but I cannot understand the concept or math/physics underlying this phenomenon.

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[SpecterGT260]

What is the effect on the volume of cells suspended initially in an isosmotic fluid and then transferred to an isosmotic solution of a) glucose (impermeable solute), b) urea (freely permeable solute)?

As I understand with urea, the cell expands and bursts, but I cannot understand the concept or math/physics underlying this phenomenon.

The second solution is only urea? If so, the [] inside the cell is lower than outside (even though the total solute levels are the same). Urea flows into the cell down its diffusion gradient. Water will also be pulled in as this urea flow now makes the interior of the cell hypertonic.

 

[GoSpursGo]

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