1. Water Movement:
Distilled water has a low solute concentration compared to the inside of an animal cell. Due to osmosis, water molecules tend to move into the cell through the semipermeable cell membrane to equalize the concentrations.
2. Swelling:
As water enters the cell, the cell's volume increases. The cell swells and becomes turgid due to the increased internal pressure.
3. Loss of Cell Shape:
As the cell swells, it loses its original shape. The spherical shape of the cell is compromised, and it may become distorted or irregular in appearance.
4. Damage to Cell Organelles:
The excessive influx of water can disrupt the normal functioning of cell organelles. The organelles may become diluted or disorganized, affecting their ability to perform essential cellular processes.
5. Rupture of Cell Membrane:
If the cell continues to swell, the cell membrane may reach its limit of elasticity and eventually rupture. This leads to the leakage of cell contents into the surrounding water.
In summary, placing an animal cell in distilled water causes the cell to swell due to water influx, leading to the disruption of cellular structures, organelle function, and ultimately, cell lysis or rupture.
