Question

what is the main difference between the response of an animal cell and a plant cell to a hypotonic solution? animal cells become rigid, while plant cells burst. animal cells remain the same, while plant cells shrink. animal cells burst, while plant cells remain turgid. animal cells will shrink, while plant cells burst.

Explanation:

When placed in a hypotonic solution (where the solute concentration outside the cell is lower than inside the cell), water moves into the cell by osmosis. Animal cells lack a cell wall. As water enters, the cell membrane stretches, and if too much water enters, the cell (animal cell) can burst. Plant cells have a rigid cell wall. When water enters the plant cell, the cell membrane pushes against the cell wall. The cell wall provides structural support and prevents the plant cell from bursting. Instead, the plant cell becomes turgid (firm).

Answer:

Animal cells burst, while plant cells remain turgid.