In which conditions does the cell wall help prevent the cell from bursting?

The cell wall plays a critical role in maintaining the integrity of a cell, particularly in environments where osmotic pressure can lead to the cell taking on excess water. In hypotonic conditions, where the concentration of solutes outside the cell is lower than that inside the cell, water flows into the cell by osmosis. This influx of water can cause the cell to swell and potentially burst if there is no mechanism to withstand the increased internal pressure.

The cell wall provides structural support and rigidity, acting as a barrier that contains the internal pressure generated by the influx of water. It prevents the cell from lysing (bursting) under these conditions by counteracting the osmotic pressure. Therefore, in hypotonic environments, the cell wall is essential for maintaining cell shape and survival, making this the correct choice for the question regarding conditions in which the cell wall helps prevent bursting.

In contrast, in isotonic conditions, the concentration of solutes is balanced inside and outside the cell, preventing any net movement of water and thus reducing the risk of bursting. In hypertonic conditions, where the external environment is more concentrated than the inside, the cell may lose water and shrivel rather than burst. Acidic conditions may affect cellular functions and stability but do