Question

What happens to a cell if it is placed in a hypotonic solution?

Answer 1

Hypotonic solution:

1. A hypotonic solution is a solution that has a lower osmotic pressure than another solution to be compared.
2. An example of a hypotonic solution is saline. Salt is the solute and water is the solvent.
3. It can also mean a solution containing a smaller amount of solute compared to the concentration of solute in other solutions across the semipermeable membrane.
4. Hypotonic fluid is a solution in which water molecules tend to enter cells via passive transport, resulting in the final expansion of cells exposed to it.
5. Therefore, when cells are placed in a hypotonic solution, the amount of impermeable solute in the solution is low and the concentration of water is higher than that present in the cytosol.
6. As a result of the hypotonic environment, an osmotic gradient is created, the solvent or water moves into the cells and the cells swell.