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Why does a red blood cell burst when placed in a hypotonic solution, but not a plant cell?

User Dexity
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Answer: A red blood cell bursts when placed in a hypotonic solution because it doesn't have a cell wall, which provides structure and support to the cell. A hypotonic solution has a lower concentration of solutes compared to the inside of the red blood cell, causing water to flow into the cell. This results in an increase in volume and pressure within the cell, leading to its bursting.

However, a plant cell is surrounded by a cell wall that provides structure and support. When placed in a hypotonic solution, water flows into the cell, but the cell wall prevents it from bursting. The cell wall acts as a barrier and maintains the shape of the cell even when it takes in water. As a result, the plant cell swells, but does not burst.

User Deestan
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