An investigation is set up to study the movement of water through a membrane. The results are shown in the diagram.

Question

Based on these results, which statement correctly predicts what will happen to red blood cells when they are placed in a beaker containing a saltwater solution that has a salt concentration much higher than that of the red blood cells?

a
The red blood cells will lose water and decrease in size.
b
The red blood cells will absorb water and increase in size.
c
The red blood cells will first absorb water, then lose water.
d
The red blood cells will first lose water, then absorb water.

Answer 1

a. The red blood cells will lose water and decrease in size.