Final answer:
b) Hemolysis is the rupture or destruction of red blood cells, leading to the release of hemoglobin into the circulation. This can occur due to various factors such as mismatched blood transfusions or hemolytic disease of the newborn.
Step-by-step explanation:
Hemolysis is the rupture or destruction of red blood cells, resulting in the release of hemoglobin into the circulation. This can occur due to various conditions such as mismatched blood transfusions or hemolytic disease of the newborn. When a red blood cell swells beyond the plasma membrane's capacity to expand, it will burst or lyse. The spaces between the lipids and proteins in the membrane become too large, causing the cell to break apart.