When a cell is placed in a hypotonic solution, the concentration of solutes outside the cell is lower than the concentration of solutes inside the cell. This creates a situation where water diffuses into the cell through the process of osmosis. Here's a detailed breakdown of the situation:

1. **Definition of Hypotonic Solution**: A hypotonic solution has a lower concentration of solutes compared to another solution, in this case, the cytoplasm of the cell.

2. **Osmosis**: Water moves from areas of low solute concentration to areas of high solute concentration to achieve equilibrium. Therefore, in a hypotonic environment, water moves into the cell.

3. **Effect on Cell**: As water enters the cell, it causes the cell to swell. If the cell continues to take in water, it may eventually burst, a process known as lysis.

4. **Conclusion**: Therefore, the correct answer to the question is that a cell placed in a hypotonic solution **gains water by osmosis**.

This process is crucial in various biological contexts, such as maintaining osmotic balance in cells and influencing cell function in different environments.

Question

When a cell is placed in a hypotonic solution, the concentration of solutes outside the cell is lower than the concentration of solutes inside the cell. This creates a situation where water diffuses into the cell through the process of osmosis. Here's a detailed breakdown of the situation:

1. **Definition of Hypotonic Solution**: A hypotonic solution has a lower concentration of solutes compared to another solution, in this case, the cytoplasm of the cell.

2. **Osmosis**: Water moves from areas of low solute concentration to areas of high solute concentration to achieve equilibrium. Therefore, in a hypotonic environment, water moves into the cell.

3. **Effect on Cell**: As water enters the cell, it causes the cell to swell. If the cell continues to take in water, it may eventually burst, a process known as lysis.

4. **Conclusion**: Therefore, the correct answer to the question is that a cell placed in a hypotonic solution **gains water by osmosis**.

This process is crucial in various biological contexts, such as maintaining osmotic balance in cells and influencing cell function in different environments.

Knowee AI · Accepted Answer

When a cell is placed in a hypotonic solution, the concentration of solutes outside the cell is lower than the concentration of solutes inside the cell. This creates a situation where water diffuses into the cell through the process of osmosis. Here's a detailed breakdown of the situation:

1. **Definition of Hypotonic Solution**: A hypotonic solution has a lower concentration of solutes compared to another solution, in this case, the cytoplasm of the cell.

2. **Osmosis**: Water moves from areas of low solute concentration to areas of high solute concentration to achieve equilibrium. Therefore, in a hypotonic environment, water moves into the cell.

3. **Effect on Cell**: As water enters the cell, it causes the cell to swell. If the cell continues to take in water, it may eventually burst, a process known as lysis.

4. **Conclusion**: Therefore, the correct answer to the question is that a cell placed in a hypotonic solution **gains water by osmosis**.

This process is crucial in various biological contexts, such as maintaining osmotic balance in cells and influencing cell function in different environments.

What happens to a cell placed in a hypotonic solution?It gains water by osmosisIt loses water by osmosisIts size remains unchangedIt releases toxins

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What happens to a cell placed in a hypotonic solution?

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