Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician (ALAT) Practice Exam

How is the term 'hypo-' most commonly used in scientific language?

1. Indicating high concentration

2. Indicating low concentration

3. Indicating average concentration

4. Indicating equal concentration

The correct answer is: Indicating low concentration

The prefix 'hypo-' is derived from the Greek word for "under" or "beneath," and in scientific contexts, it is most commonly used to indicate a low concentration or a deficiency relative to a standard or normal level. For instance, when we talk about 'hypotonic' solutions, it refers to solutions that have a lower concentration of solutes compared to another solution, typically affecting the movement of water across cell membranes. Similarly, in terms like 'hypoglycemia,' it signifies a lower than normal level of glucose in the blood. This understanding of 'hypo-' is essential in various scientific fields, including biology and chemistry, where concentration levels can significantly influence experimental outcomes or physiological processes.