Final answer:
Cells maintain homeostasis to deal with the problem of osmotic pressure. Various mechanisms, such as osmosis and the kidneys, are involved in regulating osmotic balance and keeping the internal environment of the cell isotonic.
Step-by-step explanation:
Cells deal with the problem of osmotic pressure by maintaining homeostasis. Osmosis occurs when there is an imbalance of solutes outside of a cell versus inside the cell. Cells have various mechanisms to regulate osmotic pressure and keep their internal environment in an isotonic state. For example, if a cell is in a hypertonic solution, water will leave the cell via osmosis, causing the cell to shrink. Conversely, if a cell is in a hypotonic solution, water will enter the cell, causing it to swell. Organ systems like the kidneys also play a role in maintaining osmotic balance in the body. By actively reabsorbing or excreting solutes and water, the kidneys help regulate the concentration of solutes in the blood and ultimately maintain the proper osmotic pressure for cells.