Question

What happens when an animal is placed in a hypotonic solution?

• A. Cell shrinks.
• B. Cell becomes swollen and lysed.
• C. Remains unchanged.
• D. The cell becomes swollen but not lysed.

Answer 1

The correct option is B Cell becomes swollen and lysed.

In hypotonic solution the external medium of the cell has a higher concentration of water than the cell and lower solute concentration. Hence, the water enters into the cell, it results in swollen and lysed cells. Plant cells have a cell wall around the outside which prevents them from bursting. So, in a hypotonic solution plant cell will swell and not burst