Question

A student performed an investigation on the homeostasis of red blood cells and the effect of different environmental conditions on the red blood cells. Images of the results of the investigation were captured under the microscope and are illustrated here. Which statements are supported by the results of the investigation? Select ALL that apply. Responses A The red blood cells on slide II are in a state of homeostasis.The red blood cells on slide II are in a state of homeostasis. B The red blood cells depicted in slide I were likely in a hypertonic environment.The red blood cells depicted in slide I were likely in a hypertonic environment. C All three slides indicate red blood cells in states of homeostasis.All three slides indicate red blood cells in states of homeostasis. D The red blood cells depicted in slide III were likely in a hypertonic environment.The red blood cells depicted in slide III were likely in a hypertonic environment. E The red blood cells depicted in slide III gained water at a rate that is greater than the rate of loss of water.The red blood cells depicted in slide III gained water at a rate that is greater than the rate of loss of water.

Answers

GPT-4o mini
To accurately determine the supported statements, I would need details about the images or descriptions of the conditions observed in the three slides. However, I can provide general guidance regarding how to assess the options based on the principles of osmosis and how red blood cells respond to their environments.

Here's a brief explanation of terms that could help you evaluate the options:

1. **Homeostasis**: Refers to the state of equilibrium within the cell where water balance and solute concentrations are maintained.
2. **Hypertonic Environment**: This means that the surrounding solution has a higher concentration of solutes than the interior of the cell, causing water to move out of the cell, potentially leading to cell shrinkage (crenation).
3. **Hypotonic Environment**: The surrounding solution has a lower concentration of solutes, leading to water moving into the cell, which can cause the cells to swell and possibly burst (hemolysis).
4. **Isotonic Environment**: The solute concentration inside the cell and the surrounding solution are equal, allowing for water to move in and out equally, maintaining homeostasis.

Using this understanding, you can assess each option:

A) The red blood cells on slide II are in a state of homeostasis.
- If slide II shows cells with normal shape and without signs of swelling or shrinkage, this could be true.

B) The red blood cells depicted in slide I were likely in a hypertonic environment.
- If slide I shows crenated (shrunken) red blood cells, this is likely true.

C) All three slides indicate red blood cells in states of homeostasis.
- This would only be true if all slides show normal, healthy cells without signs of stress or deformation.

D) The red blood cells depicted in slide III were likely in a hypertonic environment.
- If slide III shows shrunken red blood cells, this could be true. Conversely, if they are swollen, it would be false.

E) The red blood cells depicted in slide III gained water at a rate that is greater than the rate of loss of water.
- This would likely be true if slide III shows swollen red blood cells (indicative of being in a hypotonic environment).

In conclusion, assess each slide visually according to the definitions above to determine which statements are supported based on the observations from the microscope images.