Question

when cells are placed into a hypotonic solution (has less solute than the cell), what happens to the cell?
nothing. they stay the same size.
they lose water, swell up, and could burst.
they gain water, shrivel up, and could die.
they gain water, swell up, and could burst.
they lose water, shrivel up, and could die.

Explanation:

Osmosis causes water to move from an area of lower solute concentration (hypotonic solution) to an area of higher solute concentration (inside the cell). This influx of water makes the cell swell, and without a rigid cell wall (like in animal cells), it may burst.

Answer:

They gain water, swell up, and could burst.