Immerse a living cell in a hypotonic solution, and water will tend to
(a) move into the cell
(b) show no net movement
(c) move out of the cell
(d) move in by endocytosis

Options

A. move into the cell
B. show no net movement
C. move out of the cell
D. move in by endocytosis

Answer

To solve the question regarding the movement of water when a living cell is immersed in a hypotonic solution, we can follow these steps:

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understand the Definition of Hypotonic Solution**:
A hypotonic solution is one where the concentration of solutes outside the cell is lower than the concentration of solutes inside the cell. This means that the osmotic pressure outside the cell is lower.

2. **Identify the Movement of Water**:
Water moves from an area of lower solute concentration to an area of higher solute concentration. Since the inside of the cell has a higher concentration of solutes compared to the hypotonic solution outside, water will move into the cell.

3. **Describe the Process of Endosmosis**:
The movement of water into the cell is referred to as endosmosis. In this process, water molecules will enter the cell to balance the concentration of solutes inside and outside the cell.

4. **Predict the Effect on the Cell**:
As water enters the cell, the cell will swell due to the influx of water. If too much water enters, the cell may eventually burst, but initially, it will just become turgid (swollen).

5. **Select the Correct Answer**:
Based on the understanding that water moves into the cell in a hypotonic solution, the correct answer to the question is (a) move into the cell.

### Final Answer:
(a) move into the cell