Question

For the cells in a human body, an isotonic solution is 0.9% NaCl. If a red blood cell is placed in a 1% NaCl solution, what will happen to the cell?

Answer 1

When a red blood cell is placed in a hypertonic solution, it will shrink and may potentially rupture due to the flow of water out of the cell. In an isotonic solution, the red blood cell will retain its normal shape and function.

Step-by-step explanation:

When a red blood cell is placed in a hypertonic solution with a higher concentration of solutes, such as a 1% NaCl solution, water flows out of the cell due to osmosis. As a result, the cell will appear to shrink in size and may potentially rupture, in a process called crenation. However, in an isotonic solution like a 0.9% NaCl solution, the extracellular fluid has the same osmolarity as the cell, leading to no net movement of water into or out of the cell. This allows the red blood cell to maintain its normal shape and function.

Answer 2

Answer: The red blood cell will shrink due to water loss

Step-by-step explanation:

Because 1% NaCl solution is slightly more concentrated than its isotonic 0.9% form, the red blood cell will lose its cell containing fluids such as water to the MORE concentrated environment.

This water loss after a prolonged period will result in shrinking of the red blood cell.