Question

question 13
why does an animal cell burst when placed in a hypotonic solution when a plant cell is fine? be sure your answer thoroughly explains what is causing the bursting of the animal cells and what is different in plant cells. hint: think about the structures the two types of cells contain.

Explanation:

Animal cells lack a cell wall. In a hypotonic solution, water enters the cell by osmosis. Without a rigid cell - wall to resist the swelling, the cell membrane stretches until it bursts. Plant cells have a rigid cell wall. When water enters by osmosis, the cell wall exerts turgor pressure, preventing excessive expansion and bursting.

Answer:

Animal cells burst in hypotonic solutions because they lack a cell wall. Plant cells are fine due to their rigid cell walls that can withstand the influx of water and the resulting turgor pressure.