In terms of cellular water movement, what does the term "hypotonic" signify?

The term "hypotonic" signifies that a solution has a lower solute concentration compared to another solution. In biological terms, when a cell is placed in a hypotonic solution, the solute concentration outside the cell is less than that inside the cell. This difference in solute concentration causes water to move into the cell by osmosis, as water molecules move from an area of lower solute concentration (the hypotonic solution) to an area of higher solute concentration (the inside of the cell). This influx of water can lead to the cell swelling and, in some cases, even bursting if the difference in concentration is significant.

Understanding this concept is crucial in cellular biology and physiology, particularly when discussing osmosis and how cells interact with their environment.