When a cell is placed in a hypotonic solution :

Options

A. solute exits the cell to equalize the concentration on both sides of the membrane
B. water exits the cell toward the area of lower solute concentration
C. water enters the cell toward the area of higher solute concentration
D. solute exits and water enters the cell

Explanation

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understanding Hypotonic Solution**:
- A hypotonic solution is one that has a lower concentration of solutes compared to the inside of the cell. This means it contains more water and fewer dissolved substances (ions, salts, etc.).

2. **Effect on Cells**:
- When a cell (like a red blood cell or a plant cell) is placed in a hypotonic solution, water will move into the cell due to osmosis. Osmosis is the movement of water across a semipermeable membrane from an area of lower solute concentration (hypotonic solution) to an area of higher solute concentration (inside the cell).

3. **Behavior of Red Blood Cells (RBCs)**:
- In the case of red blood cells, which have a higher concentration of solutes inside, water will enter the cell. This influx of water can cause the RBC to swell and potentially burst (hemolysis) because they lack a rigid cell wall.

4. **Behavior of Plant Cells**:
- Plant cells also take in water when placed in a hypotonic solution. However, they have a cell wall that provides structural support. As water enters, the cell swells but does not burst due to the pressure exerted by the cell wall (turgor pressure).

5. **Conclusion**:
- The correct statement regarding the effect of a hypotonic solution on cells is that water enters the cell towards the area of higher solute concentration (inside the cell). This is because the solute concentration inside the cell is greater than that of the hypotonic solution.

### Final Answer:
When a cell is placed in a hypotonic solution, water enters the cell towards the area of higher solute concentration.

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