A hypotonic solution is a type of solution that has a lower concentration of solutes compared to another solution, typically inside a cell. When a cell is placed in a hypotonic solution, water moves into the cell through osmosis, causing the cell to swell. If too much water enters, the cell may eventually burst. This concept is important in biology, particularly in understanding how cells maintain their shape and function. For example, in the case of red blood cells, placing them in a hypotonic solution can lead to hemolysis, where the cells break apart due to excessive water intake.