A solution is described as "hypotonic" when it has a lower concentration of solutes compared to another solution. In biological terms, this often refers to a solution outside a cell that has fewer dissolved substances than the fluid inside the cell. As a result, water moves into the cell, causing it to swell and potentially burst. In the context of cell biology, hypotonic solutions can affect cells in various ways. For example, if red blood cells are placed in a hypotonic solution, they may undergo hemolysis, where they swell and break apart due to the influx of water. Understanding hypotonic solutions is essential in fields like medicine and biochemistry.