Define the term: hypertonic solution.

A hypertonic solution is a type of solution in which the concentration of solute particles is higher outside a cell or a semipermeable membrane compared to the concentration inside the cell or on the other side of the membrane. In other words, a hypertonic solution has a higher osmotic pressure and a lower concentration of water molecules compared to the solution it is being compared to.

When a cell or a biological system is exposed to a hypertonic solution, water molecules tend to move out of the cell or system, flowing from the region of lower solute concentration (inside the cell) to the region of higher solute concentration (outside the cell). This movement of water causes the cell to shrink or become dehydrated, as water loss leads to a decrease in cell volume.

Hypertonic solutions are commonly used in various scientific, medical, and biological contexts. For instance, hypertonic saline solutions might be administered in medicine to draw water out of tissues, reduce swelling, or regulate fluid balance in patients. In cellular biology, the concept of hypertonic solutions is important for understanding osmotic processes and their effects on cell structure and function.