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When a human red blood cell is placed in a hypotonic environment (like distilled water), it will

a) do nothing

b) swell

c) shrink

d) none of the above

2 Answers

7 votes

Answer:

The correct answer is Shrink all red blood cells either shrink or swell Hope this helps!

User Manik
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3 votes

Answer:

C shrink

Step-by-step explanation:

a hypertonic solution has more solutes than the intracellular environment, so water will leave the cell to try to achieve equilibrium. If enough water is lost, the cell will take on a wrinkled or shriveled appearance. In red blood cells this is called crenation and the surface of the cells take on a scalloped appearance. A high amount of water loss can be damaging or even fatal for a cell.

User David Resnick
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