AP BIOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -A hypotonic solution has a lower solute concentration compared to the intracellular solute concentration. When a red blood cell is placed in a hypotonic solution, there will be a net movement of free water into the cell.

Detailed explanation-2: -A solution with a lower solute concentration as compared to a solvent is called a hypotonic solution. In contrast, a solution with a high solute concentration as compared to a solvent is called a hypertonic solution.

Detailed explanation-3: -In comparing two solutions of unequal solute concentration, the solution with the higher solute concentration is hypertonic, and the solution with the lower solute concentration is hypotonic. Solutions of equal solute concentration are isotonic.

Detailed explanation-4: -A hypotonic solution has a lower solute concentration than inside the cell (the prefix hypo is Latin for under or below). The difference in concentration between the compartments causes water to enter the cell.

Detailed explanation-5: -In such a case, the water molecules move from outside to the inside of the cell through the cell membrane. This process is called as endosmosis by which cell gains water and swells up.