Question

Why do red blood cell, which contain an aqueous solution of dissolved ions and minerals, burst when placed in fresh water?

A. The dissolved ions provide a pressure that eventually bursts open the cell
B. More water molecules enter the cell than leave the cell
C. The fresh water acts to dissolve the blood cell wall
D. All of the above

Answer 1

Red blood cells burst when placed in fresh water because more water enters the cells than leaves them, causing them to swell and eventually burst.

Step-by-step explanation:

When red blood cells are placed in a hypotonic solution like fresh water, more water molecules enter the cell than leave it. This causes the cell to swell up with water and eventually burst, a process known as hemolysis. Red blood cells lack mechanisms to prevent them from taking on too much water, making them more prone to bursting in a hypotonic environment.

Answer 2

The red blood cells burst in freshwater because more water molecules enter the cell than leave the cell due to differences in solute concentration.

Step-by-step explanation:

When red blood cells are placed in a hypotonic solution such as fresh water, more water molecules enter the cell than leave the cell. This happens because the concentration of solutes is higher inside the red blood cell compared to the surrounding water.

As a result, the cells swell up with water and eventually burst in a process called hemolysis. Red blood cells lack mechanisms to prevent them from taking on too much water, unlike other cells.