volume_mute
Animal cells in low osmotic pressure water — result
publish date: 2026/06/16 20:56:41.339350 UTC
volume_mute
When animal cells are in water with a low osmotic pressure relative to their interior, water moves in and the cells ultimately burst due to their distension. This bursting is called what?
Correct Answer
turgor
Explanation
When animal cells are placed in a hypotonic solution (low osmotic pressure relative to the cell interior), water rushes in by osmosis, causing the cell to swell and ultimately burst due to turgor pressure. In plant cells, the rigid cell wall prevents bursting — the cell simply becomes turgid (firm). Animal cells lack this protection.
Reference
Biology: A Self-Teaching Guide
