Why do animal cells explode in a hypotonic environment?

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2026-04-14 10:05

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Animal cells explode in a hypotonic environment because they take in water through osmosis, causing an increase in internal pressure. In a hypotonic solution, the concentration of solutes outside the cell is lower than inside, leading to water moving into the cell to balance the solute concentrations. If the influx of water continues unchecked, the cell membrane can rupture, resulting in cell lysis or explosion. Unlike plant cells, animal cells lack a rigid cell wall to withstand this pressure.

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