What type of solution causes cells to gain water and potentially burst?

The correct answer is hypotonicsolution. A hypotonic solution has a lower concentration of solutes compared to the inside of the cell. When cells are placed in a hypotonic environment, water moves into the cells through osmosis in an attempt to equalize solute concentrations on both sides of the cell membrane. As water continues to enter the cell, it causes the cell to swell. If enough water enters, the pressure can become so great that the cell membrane cannot withstand it, leading to cell lysis, or bursting.

Understanding the movement of water in response to solute concentration is key to grasping cellular osmosis. By recognizing that a hypotonic solution is characterized by lower solute concentration outside the cell, you can better predict the behavior of cells in various solutions.