volume_mute

Animal cells in low osmotic pressure water — result

publish date2026/06/16 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


Quizzes you can take where this question appears