What happens to bacterial cells in a hypotonic solution?

When bacterial cells are placed in a hypotonic solution, the concentration of solutes outside the cell is lower than the concentration of solutes inside the cell. As a result, water moves into the bacterial cell through osmosis in an attempt to equalize the solute concentrations on both sides of the cell membrane. This influx of water leads to an increase in internal pressure within the cell.

Bacterial cells typically have a rigid cell wall that provides some protection against osmotic pressure. However, if the osmotic pressure becomes too great, it can exceed the strength of the cell wall, leading to a situation where the cell membrane may stretch and ultimately rupture. This process is referred to as osmotic lysis, resulting in the bursting of the cell.

In summary, the correct answer is that bacterial cells burst in a hypotonic solution due to the excessive intake of water caused by osmotic pressure. This phenomenon highlights the importance of cell wall integrity in maintaining cell shape and preventing lysis in varying environmental conditions.