Question

Why do the cells burst when placed in distilled water?

Answer 1

When the cells are placed in distilled water. The distilled water acts as a hypotonic solution. There is a concentration gradient and the water is at higher concentration outside the cell as compared to the inside. Due to this gradient, water tends to move inside the cell as a result of osmosis. As, more and more water enters inside the cell, the cell swells up and ultimately burst as the water carrying capacity of the cell has been reached leading to bursting and death of the cell.

It occurs due to continuous movement of water molecules inside the cell in an attempt to maintain the equilibrium between inside and outside the cell.