What occurs to a cell in a hypotonic solution?

In a hypotonic solution, the solute concentration outside the cell is lower than that inside the cell. This concentration gradient causes water to move into the cell through the process of osmosis. As water diffuses into the cell, it swells due to increased internal pressure from the incoming water. If too much water enters, the cell can become so enlarged that it bursts, a process known as lysis. Thus, the correct answer highlights that the cell absorbs water and may ultimately burst as a result of the osmotic pressure exerted by the influx of water in a hypotonic environment.

In contrast, a cell in a hypertonic solution would experience water loss and shrinkage, which explains why that choice would not be valid. A cell in an isotonic solution would maintain its shape due to equal solute concentrations inside and outside, leading to no net movement of water. Consequently, the correct understanding of what happens in a hypotonic solution emphasizes the absorption of water and the potential for the cell to burst under certain circumstances.