Since a hypertonic solution contains a higher concentration of solute particles compared to the red blood cell, the red blood cell would shrivel and become crenated. Therefore, the diagram that represents the shape of a red blood cell in a hypertonic solution (0.9% NaCl) would be diagram C, where the red blood cell appears shrunken and spiky.
In a hypotonic solution, the solution has a lower concentration of solute particles compared to the red blood cell. This causes water to enter the cell, leading to cell swelling and potential bursting. Therefore, the diagram that represents the shape of a red blood cell in a hypotonic solution would be diagram A, where the red blood cell appears enlarged and round.
In a normal red blood cell, the cell is in an isotonic solution where the concentrations of solute particles inside and outside the cell are equal. This means that the cell remains its normal shape. Therefore, the diagram that represents the shape of a red blood cell in a normal solution would be diagram B, where the red blood cell appears disc-shaped and unchanged.
To summarize, the appropriate diagrams that represent the shape of a red blood cell in each of the solutions are:
- Hypertonic solution: Diagram C (shrunken and spiky shape)
- Hypotonic solution: Diagram A (enlarged and round shape)
- Normal solution: Diagram B (disc-shaped and unchanged)
Select the diagram that represents the shape of a red blood cell when placed in each of the following solutions: Normal red blood cell, hypotonic, hypertonic
0.9 % (m/v) NaCl
1 answer
1 answer