* Osmosis: This is the movement of water molecules across a semi-permeable membrane from an area of high water concentration to an area of low water concentration.
* Animal Cell Environment: Animal cells have a higher concentration of solutes (like salts and proteins) compared to freshwater.
* Water Movement: Because the freshwater has a lower solute concentration, water moves into the animal cell to try and equalize the concentration on both sides of the cell membrane.
* Cell Swelling and Bursting: As water rushes into the cell, the internal pressure increases. Animal cells don't have a rigid cell wall like plant cells, so they cannot withstand the pressure. Eventually, the cell membrane can't hold back the water, and the cell bursts, a process called lysis.
In summary: Osmosis drives water into the animal cell, causing it to swell and eventually burst due to the lack of a rigid cell wall.
