Final answer:
Red blood cells burst in hypotonic solutions due to the absence of a rigid cell wall and the inability to regulate osmotic pressure, leading to hemolysis. In contrast, plant cells with cell walls become turgid and avoid bursting. Hypertonic solutions cause red blood cells to crenate and plant cells to undergo plasmolysis.
Step-by-step explanation:
Red blood cells burst when placed in a hypotonic solution because the osmotic pressure causes more water to enter the cells than leave, leading to hemolysis. They lack a rigid structure to prevent over-expansion. In contrast, plant cells have a cell wall that provides structural support and prevents them from bursting. Instead of lysing, they become turgid due to the developed turgor pressure which supports the plant structure but prevents excessive water intake.
When in a hypertonic solution, red blood cells lose water and crenate, which can be detrimental to their function. Conversely, plant cells experience plasmolysis as the plasma membrane shrinks away from the cell wall, leading to loss of structural integrity and turgor pressure.
Nonetheless, both animal and plant cells prefer isotonic and hypotonic environments, respectively, to maintain homeostasis and functional integrity. Equilibrium between osmotic and turgor pressure is critical for cell survival.