Question

If a person receives an iv of pure water, their blood cells will swell and burst. Which statement best describes the role of the cell membrane in this process

Answer 1

Option C, The cell membrane allows water to enter and leave the cell.

Step-by-step explanation:

Options for the question are –

A. The cell membrane is an impermeable barrier that prevents water from entering the cell.

B. The cell membrane allows solutes to enter the cell, which causes the cell to shrink.

C. The cell membrane allows water to enter and leave the cell.

D. The cell membrane removes solutes from the environment.

Solution -

The cell membrane is semi permeable to water and some other substances. Whenever there is a difference in concentration or volume on the two sides of the membrane, either the solute or the solvent starts moving till equilibrium is reached. In few cases, the flow continues uninterrupted thereby increasing the cell size to its maximum extent and hence bursting it.

Hence, option C is correct