Question

Whose viewpoint is correct in the viewpoint column? A good answer has a good defense! Defend your answer, and also give reasons why the other explanations are incorrect. Hypertonic, hypotonic, or isotonic? Oh my! These red blood cells have all been placed in different solutions! Based on their appearance after being placed in these solutions for a period of time, place on each line (a) for hypertonic, (b) for hypotonic, or (c) for isotonic. The cells are compared to the solution. The cells are compared to the solution. The cells are compared to the solution.

Answer 1

In biology, red blood cells react to hypertonic, isotonic, and hypotonic solutions by shrinking, retaining their shape, and swelling or bursting, respectively, due to osmosis.

Step-by-step explanation:

In biology, understanding the movement of water across cell membranes is crucial, and this is where the concepts of hypertonic, isotonic, and hypotonic solutions come into play. Red blood cells (RBCs) will react differently when placed in each of these types of solutions.

In a hypertonic solution, the extracellular fluid has a higher concentration of solutes compared to the RBCs, leading to water moving out of the cells, causing the cells to shrink or crenate. This is what's observed in Figure 13.10.3(c) and Figure 9.10.2(c).

When red blood cells are in an isotonic solution, the concentration of solutes is equal inside and outside the cells, resulting in no net movement of water. This equilibrium maintains the RBCs' normal shape, as seen in Figure 13.10.3(a) and Figure 9.10.2(b).

Conversely, in a hypotonic solution, the concentration of solutes is lower outside the cell than inside, causing water to rush into the cell. This may lead to the cells swelling and potentially bursting (lysis), which is demonstrated in Figures 13.10.3(b) and Figure 9.10.2(a).