What happens when a cell is placed in a hypotonic solution?

What happens when a cell is placed in a hypotonic solution?

• A. The cell loses water and shrinks.
• B. The cell's contents remain stable.
• C. The cell swells and may burst.
• D. The cell absorbs sodium and becomes rigid.

Answer: (C)

When a cell is placed in a hypotonic solution, the surrounding fluid has a lower concentration of solutes compared to the fluid inside the cell. This difference in concentration creates a gradient where water moves into the cell in an attempt to equalize the solute concentrations on both sides of the cell membrane. As water enters, the cell begins to swell. If the influx of water continues without any regulatory mechanisms or if the cell does not have sufficient structural integrity, the cell may eventually burst, a phenomenon known as lysis. In summary, the correct answer reflects the physiological behavior of cells in hypotonic environments, where they absorb water, swell significantly, and potentially rupture due to the excessive internal pressure.

When a cell is placed in a hypotonic solution, the surrounding fluid has a lower concentration of solutes compared to the fluid inside the cell. This difference in concentration creates a gradient where water moves into the cell in an attempt to equalize the solute concentrations on both sides of the cell membrane. As water enters, the cell begins to swell. If the influx of water continues without any regulatory mechanisms or if the cell does not have sufficient structural integrity, the cell may eventually burst, a phenomenon known as lysis.

In summary, the correct answer reflects the physiological behavior of cells in hypotonic environments, where they absorb water, swell significantly, and potentially rupture due to the excessive internal pressure.