In a hypotonic environment, cells expand.

In a hypotonic environment, cells expand.

• A. Expand
• B. Shrink
• C. Remain normal
• D. Die

Answer: (A)

In a hypotonic environment, the outside solution has a lower solute concentration than the inside of the cell. Water moves into the cell by osmosis because it moves toward the higher solute concentration inside, equalizing solute levels. As a result, the cell gains water and expands. In plant cells, this swelling pushes the membrane against the cell wall, creating turgor pressure, while in animal cells it can lead to bursting if the membrane cannot contain the influx. The key idea is that water enters when the external environment is less concentrated with solutes, so expansion is the expected outcome.

In a hypotonic environment, the outside solution has a lower solute concentration than the inside of the cell. Water moves into the cell by osmosis because it moves toward the higher solute concentration inside, equalizing solute levels. As a result, the cell gains water and expands. In plant cells, this swelling pushes the membrane against the cell wall, creating turgor pressure, while in animal cells it can lead to bursting if the membrane cannot contain the influx. The key idea is that water enters when the external environment is less concentrated with solutes, so expansion is the expected outcome.