What solution causes a cell to swell?
Understand the Problem
The question is asking about a specific type of solution that can lead to osmosis in cells, causing them to absorb water and swell. This typically occurs in a hypotonic solution where the concentration of solutes outside the cell is lower than inside the cell, resulting in water moving into the cell.
Answer
Hypotonic solution.
The solution that causes a cell to swell is a hypotonic solution.
Answer for screen readers
The solution that causes a cell to swell is a hypotonic solution.
More Information
In a hypotonic solution, water moves into the cell due to osmosis, causing the cell to swell and potentially burst (cytolysis).
Tips
A common mistake is confusing hypotonic solutions with hypertonic solutions, which cause cells to shrink.
Sources
- The web page with info on - Example Source - ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- Tonicity: hypertonic, isotonic & hypotonic solutions (article) - khanacademy.org
- What term describes a solution that would cause blood cells to swell and burst? - homework.study.com