In an isotonic environment, both plants and animals can survive, but their thriving depends on various factors specific to each group. For animals, being in an isotonic environment is often ideal. This is because an isotonic solution has the same concentration of solutes as the cell’s internal environment, preventing the net movement of water in or out of the cells. As a result, animal cells maintain their shape and function properly without the stress of gaining or losing water.
On the other hand, plants do not thrive as well in isotonic environments. Plants typically prefer a hypotonic environment, where the concentration of solutes outside the plant cells is lower than inside. This causes water to enter the cells, leading to turgor pressure, which helps maintain the structural integrity of the plant. In isotonic conditions, plants may become limp and more susceptible to wilting since there isn’t enough pressure pushing against the cell walls.
In summary, while animals can thrive in an isotonic environment, plants generally require a different environment to prosper.