A hypotonic solution is one where the concentration of solutes (like salt or sugar) is lower outside the cell than inside the cell.
Imagine the cell as a balloon filled with water and some dissolved sugar. Now imagine the balloon is placed in a beaker of plain water. Since there's less sugar outside the balloon (in the beaker) than inside the balloon, water will move across the balloon's membrane (which acts like a selectively permeable barrier) to try and equalize the concentration.
Here's what happens:
* Water moves from the hypotonic solution (the beaker) into the cell (the balloon) because it wants to dilute the higher concentration of solutes inside the cell.
* The cell swells up as it absorbs water.
Example:
* A red blood cell placed in freshwater. Freshwater is hypotonic to the red blood cell. This means the concentration of solutes is lower outside the cell than inside. Water rushes into the cell, causing it to swell and potentially burst.
Here are some key points to remember about hypotonic solutions:
* Water moves towards the higher concentration of solutes.
* Hypotonic solutions cause cells to swell.
* In extreme cases, cells can burst (lyse) if too much water enters.
Let me know if you have any other questions!
