Question

When an animal cell is placed in a hypotonic solution, _____.

Answer 1

An animal cell in a hypotonic solution will absorb water by osmosis and will swell up. If nothing is done to remove the extra water the cell will eventually burst.

Answer 2

Hi @anna_mae_jones. Welcome to OpenStudy!

First of all the hypotonic solution is one which has a lower concentration of solute hence has a higher water potential. When the animal cell is placed in the solution, water will move into the cell down a concentration gradient and due to the fact that the animal cell doesn't have a cell wall, the animal cell will burst.