Question

what happens to the cell when placed in distilled water

Answer 1

heres wat i found
either would be hypotonic solutions- and what happens to a cell in hypotonic solution? The cell is full of solutes compared to the environment and the water will go inside the cell to balance the inequality in solutes- the cell swells and eventually will lyse (rupture).

But- tapwater has more solutes in it than distilled water, the effect might be less severe- may not result in the cell lysing but swelling for sure. I think they would both rupture- but tap water can vary in concentration of solutes so hard to say for sure on that one.

Hope that helps.