Q. If cells are kept in some solution and the net result is that the cell swells up, then the solution is ____:
Answer: Hypotonic solution
Notes: The tonicity of a solution pertains to the osmotic pressure or tension of a solution, as in the cells would swell or shrink depending on the tonicity of the environment. It determines the direction of diffusion between two solutions. In hypotonic solution, the osmotic pressure is lower than the solution being compared to. The solutes in a hypotonic solution are also less (in concentration) than another solution. Thus, a hypotonic solution would rather have more water. For instance, a cell in a hypotonic solution would cause the water to enter (diffuse) into the cell. This, in turn, would cause the cell to swell.

This question is part of 40000+ General Studies MCQ Series Course on GKToday Android app. Question Number: 105 in 4. Cell Biology & Organelles in above course in App.