Question

Sucrose cannot pass through the membrane of a red blood cell (RBC), but water and glucose can. Which solution would cause the RBC to shrink the most?A hypertonic solution

A hypotonic solution
An isotonic solution
A hypoosmotic solution

Answer 1

A hypertonic solution would cause the RBC to shrink the most.

Step-by-step explanation:

A hypertonic solution would cause the red blood cell (RBC) to shrink the most.

In a hypertonic solution, the solute concentration outside the RBC is higher than inside the cell. This creates a concentration gradient that causes water to move out of the RBC by osmosis, resulting in the cell shrinking or crenating.

Since sucrose cannot pass through the RBC membrane, it does not contribute to the movement of water. However, glucose can pass through the membrane and facilitate the movement of water. Therefore, a hypertonic solution with a higher concentration of solutes, such as salt, would cause the RBC to lose more water and shrink.

Learn more about Effect of solution concentration on red blood cell size