Question

Describe what would happen to the flow of water when a human red blood cell placed in the following solutions:

- 0.9% NaCl Solution: (1 pt)

- 5% NaCl Solution: (1 pt)

- 0% NaCl Solution: (1 pt)

Answer 1

Answer

1) 0.9% NaCl Solution

• 0.9% NaCl solution is isotonic to the fluid inside red blood cell.
• Hence, there will be no net movement of water across the cell.
• The cell will remain normal and functional.

2) 5% NaCl Solution

• 5% NaCl solution is hypertonic to the fluid inside red blood cell.
• The water moves from an area of low solute concentration to the area of high solute concentration.
• Hence, the water will move out from the red blood cell into the soution.
• Due to water loss, the red blood cell will shrink or crenate.

3) 0% NaCl Solution

• 0% NaCl solution is hypotonic to the fluid inside red blood cell.
• As the water moves from an area of low solute concentration to the area of high solute concentration, it will move from the solution into the red blood cell.
• Increased fluid volume in cell will cause the cell to swell and eventually burst.