A cell is placed in a hypotonic solution. What will happen?

When a cell is placed in a hypotonic solution, it gains water and swells because water moves into the cell.

Key Concept

Term	Meaning
Hypotonic Solution	Solution with lower solute concentration than the cell
Osmosis	Movement of water from low solute to high solute concentration

Key Effects

Effect	Impact	Explanation
Water Gain	Cell swells	Water enters the cell
Animal Cell	May burst	No cell wall to resist pressure
Plant Cell	Becomes turgid	Cell wall prevents bursting
Internal Pressure	Increases	Turgor pressure develops

Stepwise Understanding

1. Cell is placed in hypotonic solution

2. Outside has lower solute concentration

3. Water enters the cell through osmosis

4. Cell volume increases

5. Animal cell may burst, plant cell becomes firm

Important Concept

Osmosis drives water into the cell when external solution is dilute.

Real Insight

Plant cells actually benefit from this condition as it keeps them firm and upright, which is why watering plants helps maintain their structure.

So hypotonic solution leads to swelling of the cell due to water intake.