What happens to a cell in a hypotonic solution?

In a hypotonic solution, the concentration of solutes outside the cell is lower than that inside the cell. This difference in solute concentration leads to a movement of water into the cell through osmosis, as water moves from an area of low solute concentration to one of high solute concentration to equalize the solute levels.

As water enters the cell, it causes the cell to swell. If the influx of water continues and exceeds the capacity of the cell membrane to contain it, the cell can expand to the point of bursting, a phenomenon known as cytolysis. This is particularly relevant for cells without a rigid cell wall, such as animal cells, which are more susceptible to bursting in hypotonic conditions.

In contrast, plant cells might not burst due to their rigid cell walls, which provide structural support; instead, they become turgid but do not rupture. Understanding the behavior of cells in different solutions is crucial for grasping concepts related to osmotic pressure and cellular health.