Question

which type of solution could cause an animal cell to burst?
hypotonic
isotonic
homeostatic
hypertonic

Explanation:

• A hypotonic solution has a lower solute concentration compared to the inside of the animal cell.
• Water moves into the cell by osmosis (from an area of lower solute concentration - the hypotonic solution - to an area of higher solute concentration - the cell's interior).
• Animal cells lack a rigid cell wall (unlike plant cells). As more and more water enters the cell due to the osmotic gradient in a hypotonic solution, the cell swells and can eventually burst.
• In an isotonic solution, the solute concentration is equal inside and outside the cell, so there is no net movement of water, and the cell maintains its normal shape.
• Homeostatic refers to the cell's ability to maintain a stable internal environment, not a type of solution.
• A hypertonic solution has a higher solute concentration than the cell. Water moves out of the cell, causing it to shrink (crenate), not burst.

Answer:

hypotonic