Question

Red blood cells are placed in a solution and neither hemolysis nor crenation occurs. Therefore, the solution is?

1) Isotonic
2) Hypotonic
3) Hypertonic
4) Cannot be determined

Answer 1

The solution is an isotonic solution. In an isotonic solution, the concentration of solutes outside the red blood cell is the same as inside the cell, so the red blood cell retains its normal shape.

Step-by-step explanation:

The solution is an isotonic solution.

In an isotonic solution, the concentration of solutes outside the red blood cell is the same as inside the cell. This means that there is no net movement of water into or out of the cell, so the red blood cell retains its normal shape.

In contrast, in a hypotonic solution, the concentration of solutes outside the cell is lower than inside the cell, causing water to flow into the cell and potentially leading to cell swelling and bursting. In a hypertonic solution, the concentration of solutes outside the cell is higher than inside the cell, causing water to flow out of the cell and shrink it.