Why do plant and animal cells react differently when placed in media with different osmotic concentrations?

Plant and animal cells react differently to varying osmotic concentrations due to their structural differences. Plant cells have a rigid cell wall that provides structural support, allowing them to withstand turgor pressure when placed in hypotonic solutions, which causes them to swell. In contrast, animal cells lack a cell wall and are more susceptible to osmotic pressure changes; when placed in a hypotonic solution, they may burst due to excess water intake. Conversely, in hypertonic solutions, plant cells lose water but remain turgid, while animal cells can shrink significantly.