Question

When a human red blood cell is placed in a hypotonic environment (like distilled water), it will

a) do nothing

b) swell

c) shrink

d) none of the above

Answer 1

Answer:

C shrink

Explanation:

a hypertonic solution has more solutes than the intracellular environment, so water will leave the cell to try to achieve equilibrium. If enough water is lost, the cell will take on a wrinkled or shriveled appearance. In red blood cells this is called crenation and the surface of the cells take on a scalloped appearance. A high amount of water loss can be damaging or even fatal for a cell.

Answer 2

Answer:

The correct answer is Shrink all red blood cells either shrink or swell Hope this helps!