In biology, a solution refers to a homogeneous mixture where one or more substances (solutes) are dissolved in another substance (solvent). The most common solvent in biological systems is water, which is often referred to as the “universal solvent.”
For example, when salt (solute) is dissolved in water (solvent), it forms a saline solution. In biological contexts, solutions are crucial because they facilitate the transport of nutrients, waste products, and other molecules within organisms. The concentration of the solute in the solution is an important factor that can affect biological processes.
Understanding solutions is fundamental in biology as it helps explain how cells maintain homeostasis, how nutrients are transported, and how waste products are removed. Solutions also play a key role in various laboratory techniques and medical applications, such as intravenous fluids and buffer solutions used in experiments.