For a hypotonic solution, what happens to the cell?

For a hypotonic solution, what happens to the cell?

• A. It shrinks
• B. It expands and may burst
• C. It remains the same size
• D. It disintegrates

Answer: (B)

In the context of a hypotonic solution, the behavior of a cell is defined by osmosis, which is the movement of water across a semipermeable membrane. A hypotonic solution has a lower concentration of solutes outside the cell compared to the inside. This difference in solute concentration causes water to move into the cell in an attempt to equalize the solute concentrations on either side of the membrane. As water enters the cell, it causes the cell to swell and expand. In situations where the influx of water is significant, the pressure inside the cell increases. If the pressure becomes too great and the cell can no longer accommodate the additional volume, it may lead to the cell bursting, which is referred to as lysis. Therefore, the expansion and potential bursting of the cell accurately reflect the outcome of placing a cell in a hypotonic environment. In summary, the correct understanding of the impact of a hypotonic solution on a cell is that it will lead to swelling and potentially bursting due to the influx of water.

In the context of a hypotonic solution, the behavior of a cell is defined by osmosis, which is the movement of water across a semipermeable membrane. A hypotonic solution has a lower concentration of solutes outside the cell compared to the inside. This difference in solute concentration causes water to move into the cell in an attempt to equalize the solute concentrations on either side of the membrane.

As water enters the cell, it causes the cell to swell and expand. In situations where the influx of water is significant, the pressure inside the cell increases. If the pressure becomes too great and the cell can no longer accommodate the additional volume, it may lead to the cell bursting, which is referred to as lysis. Therefore, the expansion and potential bursting of the cell accurately reflect the outcome of placing a cell in a hypotonic environment.

In summary, the correct understanding of the impact of a hypotonic solution on a cell is that it will lead to swelling and potentially bursting due to the influx of water.