What happens to cells in a hypotonic solution?

When cells are placed in a hypotonic solution, the concentration of solutes outside the cell is lower than that inside the cell. As a result, water moves into the cell through osmosis, seeking to balance the solute concentrations on both sides of the cell membrane. This influx of water causes the cell to swell, and if the osmotic pressure continues, the cell may eventually burst, a process known as lysis. This characteristic behavior of cells in hypotonic environments highlights the importance of osmoregulation and the structural integrity provided by the cell membrane, which can only withstand a limited amount of pressure from the internal fluid. Understanding this principle is crucial in various biological and medical contexts, especially in the treatment of cells and tissues.