What is the role of a hypotonic solution when surrounding a cell?

What is the role of a hypotonic solution when surrounding a cell?

• A. It causes the cell to shrink
• B. It causes the cell to take up water
• C. It maintains cell size
• D. It has no effect on the cell

Answer: (B)

When a cell is surrounded by a hypotonic solution, the concentration of solutes outside the cell is lower than that inside the cell. This difference in concentration causes water to move into the cell by osmosis, which is the movement of water from an area of lower solute concentration to an area of higher solute concentration in order to achieve balance. As water enters the cell, it causes the cell to swell and may lead to an increase in cell volume. If enough water continues to enter, the cell could potentially burst, a process known as lysis. This physiological response highlights the importance of maintaining proper osmotic balance within the cellular environment.

When a cell is surrounded by a hypotonic solution, the concentration of solutes outside the cell is lower than that inside the cell. This difference in concentration causes water to move into the cell by osmosis, which is the movement of water from an area of lower solute concentration to an area of higher solute concentration in order to achieve balance. As water enters the cell, it causes the cell to swell and may lead to an increase in cell volume. If enough water continues to enter, the cell could potentially burst, a process known as lysis. This physiological response highlights the importance of maintaining proper osmotic balance within the cellular environment.