Final answer:
Plants thrive in a hypotonic environment as it allows water to enter their cells and create turgor pressure, which provides plant rigidity and support. Their strong cell walls prevent bursting, contrasting with animal cells that may burst under the same conditions.
Step-by-step explanation:
Plants generally thrive in a hypotonic environment because it allows them to maintain turgor pressure, which is essential for supporting the plant structure and optimizing physiological functions. In a hypotonic solution, water enters the plant cells, where it moves into the central vacuoles, resulting in higher osmotic pressure within these vacuoles. The expansion of the vacuoles creates turgor pressure that compresses the cytosol against the plant cell wall. Unlike animal cells, plant cells do not burst due to the presence of a rigid cell wall that limits further water entry, making the cells turgid and thus providing rigidity to the plant. Plasmolysis occurs when a plant is in a hypertonic environment, leading to a loss of turgor pressure and a wilted appearance. Consequently, an adequate supply of water and, therefore, a hypotonic environment are crucial for plant health and survival.