Loading...

Cation and anion testing
Quiz by Mrs E Laxton
Customize this quiz to suit your class
Instantly translate to 100+ languages
Tag the questions with any skills you have. Your dashboard will track each student's mastery of each skill.
Give this quiz to my class
Covalent Molecules and Compounds Just as an atom is the simplest unit that has the fundamental chemical properties of an element, a molecule is the simplest unit that has the fundamental chemical properties of a covalent compound. Some pure elements exist as covalent molecules. Hydrogen, nitrogen, oxygen, and the halogens occur naturally as the diatomic (“two atoms”) molecules H2, N2, O2, F2, Cl2, Br2, and I2 (part (a) in Figure 3.1.1). Similarly, a few pure elements exist as polyatomic (“many atoms”) molecules, such as elemental phosphorus and sulfur, which occur as P4 and S8 (part (b) in Figure 3.1.1). Each covalent compound is represented by a molecular formula, which gives the atomic symbol for each component element, in a prescribed order, accompanied by a subscript indicating the number of atoms of that element in the molecule. The subscript is written only if the number of atoms is greater than 1. For example, water, with two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom per molecule, is written as H2O. Similarly, carbon dioxide, which contains one carbon atom and two oxygen atoms in each molecule, is written as CO2. Covalent compounds that predominantly contain carbon and hydrogen are called organic compounds. The convention for representing the formulas of organic compounds is to write carbon first, followed by hydrogen and then any other elements in alphabetical order (e.g., CH4O is methyl alcohol, a fuel). Compounds that consist primarily of elements other than carbon and hydrogen are called inorganic compounds; they include both covalent and ionic compounds. In inorganic compounds, the component elements are listed beginning with the one farthest to the left in the periodic table, as in CO2 or SF6. Those in the same group are listed beginning with the lower element and working up, as in ClF. By convention, however, when an inorganic compound contains both hydrogen and an element from groups 13–15, hydrogen is usually listed last in the formula. Examples are ammonia (NH3) and silane (SiH4). Compounds such as water, whose compositions were established long before this convention was adopted, are always written with hydrogen first: Water is always written as H2O, not OH2. The conventions for inorganic acids, such as hydrochloric acid (HCl) and sulfuric acid (H2SO4), are described elswhere. Note! For organic compounds: write C first, then H, and then the other elements in alphabetical order. For molecular inorganic compounds: start with the element at far left in the periodic table; list elements in same group beginning with the lower element and working up. Write the molecular formula of each compound. a. The phosphorus-sulfur compound that is responsible for the ignition of so-called strike anywhere matches has 4 phosphorus atoms and 3 sulfur atoms per molecule. b. Ethyl alcohol, the alcohol of alcoholic beverages, has 1 oxygen atom, 2 carbon atoms, and 6 hydrogen atoms per molecule. c. Freon-11, once widely used in automobile air conditioners and implicated in damage to the ozone layer, has 1 carbon atom, 3 chlorine atoms, and 1 fluorine atom per molecule. Solution: a. • A The molecule has 4 phosphorus atoms and 3 sulfur atoms. Because the compound does not contain mostly carbon and hydrogen, it is inorganic. • B Phosphorus is in group 15, and sulfur is in group 16. Because phosphorus is to the left of sulfur, it is written first. • C Writing the number of each kind of atom as a right-hand subscript gives P4S3 as the molecular formula. b. • A Ethyl alcohol contains predominantly carbon and hydrogen, so it is an organic compound. • B The formula for an organic compound is written with the number of carbon atoms first, the number of hydrogen atoms next, and the other atoms in alphabetical order: CHO. • C Adding subscripts gives the molecular formula C2H6O. c. • A Freon-11 contains carbon, chlorine, and fluorine. It can be viewed as either an inorganic compound or an organic compound (in which fluorine has replaced hydrogen). The formula for Freon-11 can therefore be written using either of the two conventions. • B According to the convention for inorganic compounds, carbon is written first because it is farther left in the periodic table. Fluorine and chlorine are in the same group, so they are listed beginning with the lower element and working up: CClF. Adding subscripts gives the molecular formula CCl3F. • C We obtain the same formula for Freon-11 using the convention for organic compounds. The number of carbon atoms is written first, followed by the number of hydrogen atoms (zero) and then the other elements in alphabetical order, also giving CCl3F. Write the molecular formula for each compound. a. Nitrous oxide, also called “laughing gas,” has 2 nitrogen atoms and 1 oxygen atom per molecule. Nitrous oxide is used as a mild anesthetic for minor surgery and as the propellant in cans of whipped cream. b. Sucrose, also known as cane sugar, has 12 carbon atoms, 11 oxygen atoms, and 22 hydrogen atoms. c. Sulfur hexafluoride, a gas used to pressurize “unpressurized” tennis balls and as a coolant in nuclear reactors, has 6 fluorine atoms and 1 sulfur atom per molecule. Answer: a. N2O b. C12H22O11 c. SF6. Ionic Compounds The substances described in the preceding discussion are composed of molecules that are electrically neutral; that is, the number of positively-charged protons in the nucleus is equal to the number of negatively-charged electrons. In contrast, ions are atoms or assemblies of atoms that have a net electrical charge. Ions that contain fewer electrons than protons have a net positive charge and are called cations. Conversely, ions that contain more electrons than protons have a net negative charge and are called anions. Ionic compounds contain both cations and anions in a ratio that results in no net electrical charge. Note! Ionic compounds contain both cations and anions in a ratio that results in zero electrical charge.An ionic compound that contains only two elements, one present as a cation and one as an anion, is called a binary ionic compound. One example is MgCl2, a coagulant used in the preparation of tofu from soybeans. For binary ionic compounds, the subscripts in the empirical formula can also be obtained by crossing charges: use the absolute value of the charge on one ion as the subscript for the other ion. This method is shown schematically as follows: Crossing charges. One method for obtaining subscripts in the empirical formula is by crossing charges. When crossing charges, it is sometimes necessary to reduce the subscripts to their simplest ratio to write the empirical formula. Consider, for example, the compound formed by Mg2+ and O2−. Using the absolute values of the charges on the ions as subscripts gives the formula Mg2O2:Polyatomic Ions Polyatomic ions are groups of atoms that bear net electrical charges, although the atoms in a polyatomic ion are held together by the same covalent bonds that hold atoms together in molecules. Just as there are many more kinds of molecules than simple elements, there are many more kinds of polyatomic ions than monatomic ions. Two examples of polyatomic cations are the ammonium (NH4+) and the methylammonium (CH3NH3+) ions. P. The method used to predict the empirical formulas for ionic compounds that contain monatomic ions can also be used for compounds that contain polyatomic ions. The overall charge on the cations must balance the overall charge on the anions in the formula unit. Thus, K+ and NO3− ions combine in a 1:1 ratio to form KNO3 (potassium nitrate or saltpeter), a major ingredient in black gunpowder. Similarly, Ca2+ and SO42− form CaSO4 (calcium sulfate), which combines with varying amounts of water to form gypsum and plaster of Paris. The polyatomic ions NH4+ and NO3− form NH4NO3 (ammonium nitrate), a widely used fertilizer and, in the wrong hands, an explosive. One example of a compound in which the ions have charges of different magnitudes is calcium phosphate, which is composed of Ca2+ and PO43− ions; it is a major component of bones. The compound is electrically neutral because the ions combine in a ratio of three Ca2+ ions [3(+2) = +6] for every two ions [2(−3) = −6], giving an empirical formula of Ca3(PO4)2; the parentheses around PO4 in the empirical formula indicate that it is a polyatomic ion. Writing the formula for calcium phosphate as Ca3P2O8 gives the correct number of each atom in the formula unit, but it obscures the fact that the compound contains readily identifiable PO43− ions.Summary • There are two fundamentally different kinds of chemical bonds (covalent and ionic) that cause substances to have very different properties. • The composition of a compound is represented by an empirical or molecular formula, each consisting of at least one formula unit.Contributors The atoms in chemical compounds are held together by attractive electrostatic interactions known as chemical bonds. Ionic compounds contain positively and negatively charged ions in a ratio that results in an overall charge of zero. The ions are held together in a regular spatial arrangement by electrostatic forces. Most covalent compounds consist of molecules, groups of atoms in which one or more pairs of electrons are shared by at least two atoms to form a covalent bond. The atoms in molecules are held together by the electrostatic attraction between the positively charged nuclei of the bonded atoms and the negatively charged electrons shared by the nuclei. The molecular formula of a covalent compound gives the types and numbers of atoms present. Compounds that contain predominantly carbon and hydrogen are called organic compounds, whereas compounds that consist primarily of elements other than carbon and hydrogen are inorganic compounds. Diatomic molecules contain two atoms, and polyatomic molecules contain more than two. A structural formula indicates the composition and approximate structure and shape of a molecule. Single bonds, double bonds, and triple bonds are covalent bonds in which one, two, and three pairs of electrons, respectively, are shared between two bonded atoms. Atoms or groups of atoms that possess a net electrical charge are called ions; they can have either a positive charge (cations) or a negative charge (anions). Ions can consist of one atom (monatomic ions) or several (polyatomic ions). The charges on monatomic ions of most main group elements can be predicted from the location of the element in the periodic table. Ionic compounds usually form hard crystalline solids with high melting points. Covalent molecular compounds, in contrast, consist of discrete molecules held together by weak intermolecular forces and can be gases, liquids, or solids at room temperature and pressure. An empirical formula gives the relative numbers of atoms of the elements in a compound, reduced to the lowest whole numbers. The formula unit is the absolute grouping represented by the empirical formula of a compound, either ionic or covalent. Empirical formulas are particularly useful for describing the composition of ionic compounds, which do not contain readily identifiable molecules. Some ionic compounds occur as hydrates, which contain specific ratios of loosely bound water molecules called waters of hydration.
Ions Ions are charged substances that have formed through the gain or loss of electrons. Cations form from the loss of electrons and have a positive charge while anions form through the gain of electrons and have a negative charge. Cation Formation Cations are the positive ions formed by the loss of one or more electrons. The most commonly formed cations of the representative elements are those that involve the loss of all of the valence electrons. Consider the alkali metal sodium (Na) . It has one valence electron in the n=3 energy level. Upon losing that electron, the sodiu ion now has an octet of electrons from the second energy level and a charge of 1+ . The electron arrangement of the sodium ion is now the same as that of the noble gas neon. Consider a similar process with magnesium and aluminum. In this case, the magnesium atom loses its two valence electrons in order to achieve the same arrangement as the noble gas neon and a charge of 2+ . The aluminum atom loses its three valence electrons to have the same electron arrangement as neon and a charge of 3+ . For representative elements under typical conditions, three electrons is usually the maximum number that will be los. Representative elements will not lose electrons beyond their valence because they would have to "break" the octet of the previous energy level which provides stability to the ion. Anions Anions are the negative ions formed from the gain of one or more electrons. When nonmetal atoms gain elections, they often do so until their outermost principal energy level achieves an octet. For fluorine, which has an electron arrangement of (2, 7), it only needs to gain one electron to have the same electron arrangement as neon. Forming an octet (eight electrons in the outer shell) provides stability to the atom. Fluorine will gain one electron and have a charge of 1− . The electron arrangement of the fluoride ion (2, 8) will also change to reflect the gain of an electron. Oxygen has an electron arrangement of (2, 6) and needs to gain two electrons to fill the n=2 energy level and achieve an octet of electrons in the outermost shell. The oxide ion will have a charge of 2− as a result of gaining two electrons. Under typical conditions, three electrons is the maximum that will be gained in the formation of anions. Subatomic Particles in an Ion Since ions form from the gain or loss of electrons, we can also look at the number of subatomic particles (protons, neutrons, and electrons) found in an ion. Remember that the number of protons determines the identity of the element and will not change in a chemical process. Example 2.5.1 How many protons, neutrons, and electrons in a single oxide (O2−) ion? Solution Oxygen has the atomic number 8 so both the atom and the ion will have 8 protons. The average atomic mass of oxygen is 16. Therefore, there will be 8 neutrons (atomic mass−atomic number=neutrons) . A neutral oxygen atom would have 8 electrons. However, the anion has gained two electrons so O2− has 10 electrons. We can also use information about the subatomic particles to determine the identity of an ion. Example 2.5.2 An ion with a 2+ charge has 18 electrons. Determine the identity of the ion. Solution If an ion has a 2+ charge then it must have lost electrons to form the cation. If the ion has 18 electrons and the atom lost 2 to form the ion, then the neutral atom contained 20 electrons. Since it was neutral, it must also have had 20 protons. Therefore the element is calcium. Polyatomic Ions A polyatomic ion is an ion composed of two or more atoms that have a charge as a group (poly = many). The ammonium ion (see figure below) consists of one nitrogen atom and four hydrogen atoms. Together, they comprise a single ion with a 1+ charge and a formula of NH+4 . The hydroxide ion (see figure below) contains one hydrogen atom and one oxygen atom with an overall charge of 1− . The carbonate ion (see figure below) consists of one carbon atom and three oxygen atoms and carries an overall charge of 2− . The formula of the carbonate ion is CO2−3 . The atoms of a polyatomic ion are tightly bonded together and so the entire ion behaves as a single unit. The figures below show several examples. Soult Screenshot 2-2-1.png Figure 2.5.1 : The ammonium ion (NH+4) is a nitrogen atom (blue) bonded to four hydrogen atoms (white). Soult Screenshot 2-2-2.png Figure 2.5.2 : The hydroxide ion (OH−) is an oxygen atom (red) bonded to a hydrogen atom. Soult Screenshot 2-2-3.png Figure 2.5.3 : The carbonate ion (CO2−3) is a carbon atom (black) bonded to three oxygen atoms. The table below lists a number of polyatomic ions by name and by structure. The heading for each column indicates the charge on the polyatomic ions in that group. Note that the vast majority of the ions listed are anions - there are very few polyatomic cations. 1− 2− 3− 1+ Table 2.5.1 : Common Polyatomic Ions acetate, CH3COO− carbonate, CO2−3 arsenate, AsO3−3 ammonium, NH+4 bromate, BrO−3 chromate, CrO2−4 phosphite, PO3−3 chlorate, ClO−3 dichromate, Cr2O2−7 phosphate, PO3−4 chlorite, ClO−2 hydrogen phosphate, HPO2−4 cyanide, CN− oxalate, C2O2−4 dihydrogen phosphate, H2PO−4 peroxide, O2−2 hydrogen carbonate, HCO−3 silicate, SiO2−3 hydrogen sulfate, HSO−4 sulfate, SO2−4 hydrogen sulfide, HS− sulfite, SO2−3 hydroxide, OH− hypochlorite, ClO− nitrate, NO−3 nitrite, NO−2 perchlorate, ClO−4 permanganate, MnO−4 The vast majority of polyatomic ions are anions, many of which end in -ate or -ite. Notice that in some cases such as nitrate (NO−3) and nitrite (NO−2) , there are multiple anions that consist of the same two elements. In these cases, the difference between the ions is the number of oxygen atoms present, while the overall charge is the same. As a class, these are called oxyanions. When there are two oxyanions for a particular element, the one with the greater number of oxygen atoms gets the -ate suffix, while the one with the fewer number of oxygen atoms gets the -ite suffix. The four oxyanions of chlorine are shown below, which also includes the use of the prefixes hypo- and per-. ClO− , hypochlorite ClO−2 , chlorite ClO−3 , chlorate ClO−4 , perchlorate Not your usual ion Soult Screenshot 2-2-4.png "Drink you milk. It's good for your bones." We're told this from early childhood, and with good reason. Milk contains a good supply of calcium, part of the structure of bone. However, there are two other ionic components of hydroxyapatite, the mineral component. Phosphate ion and hydroxide ion make up the remainder of the inorganic material in bone. News You Can Use Bone is a very complex structure. It is composed of protein (mainly collagen), hydroxyapatite (a calcium-phosphate-hydroxide mixture), some other minerals, and contains 10 - 20% water. The calcium/phosphate ratios are not stoichiometric, but vary somewhat from one portion of bone to the next. Bones are very strong but will break under enough stress. Regular exercise and proper nutrition help to increase bone strength. Watch a video about bone structure at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d9owEvYdouk Nitrate is an anion with a complex bonding structure. Major sources for this ion in drinking water are runoff from fertilizer, septic tank leakage, sewage, and natural deposits. High concentrations of nitrates represent a significant health hazard, especially to infants. The nitrate in the body is converted to nitrite, which then binds to hemoglobin. This binding decreases the ability of hemoglobin to transport oxygen, thus depriving the cells of the O2 needed for proper functioning. Cyanide production is widespread throughout nature. Forest fires will produce significant amounts of cyanide. Many plants contain cyanide, and it is produced by a number of bacteria, algae, and fungi. Cyanide is used industrially in metal finishing, iron and steel mills, and in organic synthesis processes. This material is also an important component for the refining of precious metals. Formation of a complex between cyanide and gold allows extraction of this metal from a mixture.
Identify the cations and anions present in the compound
New Planet, New School I had a lot of friends back in my old school, on my old planet. When the school year ended, though, my family moved across the galaxy to Planet Zox. Planet Zox has species from so many different planets, just walking down the street can be an adventure. So can going to the grocery store. Actually, I sort of liked my new planet until it was time to start school. "I won't fit in," I complained to my parents that first morning. "Nobody there will be like me." "They don't have to be like you in order to like you," Mom said. It took me a minute to sort out that sentence. Once I got to school, I kept my eye out for other humans. I spotted a few in the halls, but the only one in my class is Swiss Pumpernickel. When I walked in that first day, some of the students started to tease him. "Way to go, Pumpernickel. Looks like you finally got yourself a girlfriend," they said. Swiss Pumpernickel turned red, then glared at me-as if it were my fault for being human! After that, nobody talked to me all morning. I looked for some humans to sit with at lunch, but they were all sitting with other species_. I only found one table with any empty chairs. There, alone, sat one of my classmates, Hululialana. She was so wrapped up in her tentacles, I couldn't find her face. I approached with caution and spoke with great care. "Hello, Hululialana," I said. Slowly, several arms lifted. Then one arm unwound itself, floated toward me through the air, and pulled out the closest chair. I took a seat. "Thank you," I said. We looked at each other, then away. She began to wrap herself up again. "How's your first day going?" I quickly asked. Hululialana shrugged-I think. "I wish I were still at my old school," she said. "Me, too," I said. She looked shocked, and I laughed. "I mean, I wish I were still at my old school," I explained. "At least you're not the only human," Hululialana said. "I'm the only Hulu." I thought for a moment. "That makes you special," I said. "That makes me a freak," she said. "Well, let's be freaks together," I suggested. Then, for the first time, Hululialana smiled. From that day forward, school on Planet Zox has been pretty fun.
UH 1 Opinion, Agreeing, Disagreeing and Caption
Journalism and yearbook: bleed, byline, candids, caption, copy, dominant element, folio, gutter, headline, lead, spread, theme
Cryptocurrency regulations in Africa vary significantly across the continent, reflecting different approaches by governments to balance innovation with consumer protection and financial stability. Here's an overview of the regulatory landscape in several key African countries: 1. Nigeria Central Bank Ban: In February 2021, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) banned financial institutions from providing services to crypto exchanges, effectively restricting crypto transactions through traditional banking channels. eNaira: Despite the restrictive stance on cryptocurrencies, Nigeria launched its central bank digital currency (CBDC), the eNaira, in October 2021, aiming to enhance financial inclusion and support the digital economy. 2. South Africa Regulatory Framework: The Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA) has proposed a regulatory framework to classify cryptocurrencies as financial products. This will subject crypto service providers to regulations similar to those governing other financial services. AML/CFT Compliance: Crypto exchanges are required to comply with Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Combating the Financing of Terrorism (CFT) regulations. 3. Kenya Regulatory Caution: The Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) has issued warnings about the risks associated with cryptocurrencies but has not imposed an outright ban. Cryptocurrencies are not considered legal tender. Innovation Support: Kenya is known for its innovative financial services sector, including mobile money, which creates a fertile ground for crypto and blockchain adoption despite the cautious regulatory stance. 4. Ghana Regulatory Research: The Bank of Ghana is conducting research into cryptocurrencies and blockchain technology, with a focus on understanding the potential benefits and risks. Sandbox Initiative: Ghana has introduced a regulatory sandbox to encourage innovation in fintech, including blockchain and cryptocurrencies. 5. Uganda Regulatory Oversight: The Bank of Uganda has warned the public about the risks of cryptocurrencies but has not imposed a ban. There is ongoing discussion about developing a regulatory framework. Blockchain Adoption: Uganda is exploring the use of blockchain technology in various sectors, including agriculture and healthcare. 6. Zimbabwe Ban and Reconsideration: The Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) initially banned banks from processing crypto transactions but has since been exploring ways to regulate the industry. Blockchain Task Force: The government has established a blockchain and digital assets task force to study the implications and potential uses of the technology. 7. Tanzania Government Support: In 2021, the Tanzanian government indicated support for adopting blockchain and cryptocurrency technologies, with the central bank working on creating a regulatory framework. Presidential Endorsement: President Samia Suluhu Hassan called on the central bank to prepare for the adoption of cryptocurrencies. Regional Initiatives and Trends Cross-Border Collaboration: Some African countries are exploring regional cooperation to harmonize crypto regulations and promote cross-border fintech solutions. Fintech Hubs: Countries like Nigeria, South Africa, and Kenya are becoming fintech hubs, attracting startups and investment in the blockchain and crypto space. Education and Awareness: Efforts are being made to educate the public and policymakers about cryptocurrencies and blockchain technology to promote informed decision-making. Challenges and Considerations Regulatory Uncertainty: The lack of clear and consistent regulations across the continent poses challenges for businesses and investors. Risk Management: Balancing innovation with risk management, particularly concerning AML/CFT compliance, is a key concern for regulators. Infrastructure and Accessibility: Limited internet access and technological infrastructure can hinder widespread adoption and effective regulation. The regulatory landscape for cryptocurrencies in Africa is dynamic and evolving, with a mix of cautious approaches and supportive measures aimed at harnessing the benefits of blockchain technology while managing associated risks.
A solution is composed of a solute dissolved in a solvent. In the sugar water described in Figure 5-1, the solute was sugar and the solvent was water, and the solute molecules diffused through the solvent. It is also possible for solvent molecules to diffuse. In the case of cells, the solutes are organic and inorganic compounds, and the solvent is water. The process by which water molecules diffuse across a cell membrane from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration is called osmosis (ahs-MOH-sis). Because water is moving from a higher to lower concentration, osmosis does not require cells to expend energy. Therefore, osmosis is the passive transport of water. Direction of Osmosis The net direction of osmosis depends on the relative concentra- tion of solutes on the two sides of the membrane. Examine Table 5-1. When the concentration of solute molecules outside the cell is lower than the concentration in the cytosol, the solution outside is hypotonic to the cytosol. In this situation, water diffuses into the cell until equilibrium is established. When the concentration of solute molecules outside the cell is higher than the concentration in the cytosol, the solution outside is hypertonic to the cytosol. In this situation, water diffuses out of the cell until equilibrium is established. Observing Diffusion Materials 600 mL beaker, 25 cm dialysis tubing, funnel, 15 mL starch solution (10 percent), 20 drops Lugol’s solution, 300 mL water, 100 mL graduated cylinder, 20 cm piece of string (2) Procedure 1. Put on your disposable gloves, lab apron, and safety goggles. 2. Pour 300 mL of water in the 600 mL beaker. 3. Add 20 drops of Lugol’s solution to the water. CAUTION: Lugol’s solution is a poison and eye and skin irritant. 4. Open the dialysis tubing, and tie one end tightly with a piece of string. 5. Using the funnel, pour 15 mL of 10 percent starch solution into the dialysis tubing. 6. Tie the other end of the dialysis tubing tightly with the second piece of string, forming a sealed bag around the starch solution. 7. Place the bag into the solution in the beaker, and observe the setup for a color change. Analysis What happened to the color in the bag? What happened to the color of the water around the bag? Explain your observations. Quick Lab www.scilinks.org Topic: Osmosis Keyword: HM61090 mb06se_homs01.qxd 11/27/07 8:52 AM Page 98 HOMEOSTASIS AND CELL TRANSPORT 99 When the concentrations of solutes outside and inside the cell are equal, the outside solution is said to be isotonic to the cytosol. Under these conditions, water diffuses into and out of the cell at equal rates, so there is no net movement of water. Notice that the prefixes hypo-, hyper-, and iso- refer to the relative solute concentrations of two solutions. Thus, if the solution outside the cell is hypotonic to the cytosol, then the cytosol must be hyper- tonic to that solution. Conversely, if the solution outside is hypertonic to the cytosol, then the cytosol must be hypotonic to the solution. Water tends to diffuse from hypo- tonic solutions to hypertonic solutions. How Cells Deal with Osmosis Cells that are exposed to an isotonic external environment usually have no difficulty keeping the movement of water across the cell membrane in balance. This is the case with the cells of ver- tebrate animals on land and of most other organ- isms living in the sea. In contrast, many cells function in a hypotonic environment. Such is the case for unicellular freshwater organisms. Water constantly diffuses into these organisms. Because they require a relatively lower concentration of water in the cytosol to function normally, unicel- lular organisms must rid themselves of the excess water that enters by osmosis. Some of them, such as the paramecia shown in Figure 5-2, do this with contractile vacuoles (kon-TRAK-til VAK-y ̄ ̄o ̄ ̄o-OL), which are organelles that remove water. Contractile vacuoles collect the excess water and then contract, pumping the water out of the cell. Unlike diffusion and osmosis, this pumping action is not a form of passive trans- port because it requires the cell to expend energy. Copyright © by Holt, Rinehart and Winston. All rights reserved. (a) (b) Vacuole filling with water Vacuole contracting TABLE 5-1 Direction of Osmosis Condition External solution is hypotonic to cytosol External solution is hypertonic to cytosol External solution is isotonic to cytosol Net movement of water into the cell out of the cell none H2O H2O H2O H2O H2O H2O The paramecia shown below live in fresh water, which is hypotonic to their cytosol. (a) Contractile vacuoles collect excess water that moves by osmosis into the cytosol. (b) The vacuoles then contract, returning the water to the outside of the cell. (LM 315) FIGURE 5-2 100 CHAPTER 5 (a) HYPOTONIC Cell walls (b) HYPERTONIC (a) ISOTONIC (b) HYPOTONIC (c) HYPERTONIC Other cells, including many of those in multicellular organisms, respond to hypotonic environments by pumping solutes out of the cytosol. This lowers the solute concentration in the cytosol, bring- ing it closer to the solute concentration in the environment. As a result, water molecules are less likely to diffuse into the cell. Most plant cells, like animal cells, live in a hypotonic environ- ment. In fact, the cells that make up plant roots may be surrounded by water. This water moves into plant cells by osmosis. These cells swell as they fill with water until the cell membrane is pressed against the inside of the cell wall, as Figure 5-3a shows. The cell wall is strong enough to resist the pressure exerted by the water inside the expanding cell. The pressure that water molecules exert against the cell wall is called turgor pressure (TER-GOR PRESH-er). In a hypertonic environment, water leaves the cells through osmosis. As shown in Figure 5-3b, the cells shrink away from the cell walls, and turgor pressure is lost. This condition is called plasmolysis (plaz-MAHL-uh-sis), and is the reason that plants wilt if they don’t receive enough water. Some cells cannot compensate for changes in the solute con-