Why does the potato cube increase in weight in the hypotonic solution?

When the potato cube is placed in a hypotonic solution, it absorbs water due to the process of osmosis. Osmosis is the movement of water molecules from an area of lower solute concentration to an area of higher solute concentration through a semi-permeable membrane.

In this case, the hypotonic solution has a lower concentration of solutes compared to the potato cells. As a result, water moves into the potato cells to equalize the concentration inside and outside the cells. This influx of water causes the potato cube to increase in weight.

Examples of osmosis can be seen in various biological systems. For example, when you soak dehydrated fruits in water, they absorb the water through osmosis and become plump and rehydrated. In the same way, the potato cube in a hypotonic solution takes in water, causing it to swell and gain weight.

Osmosis plays a crucial role in maintaining the balance of water and nutrients in cells. Understanding osmosis helps us grasp how cells regulate their internal environment and respond to changes in their surroundings.