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 has a concentration much higher that of the red blood cells? A The red blood cells will lose water and decrease in size The red blood cells will absorb water and increase in size The red blood cells will first absorb water, then lose water The red blood cells will first lose water , then absorb water

Answer 1

The correct prediction is: A) The red blood cells will lose water and decrease in size.

When red blood cells are placed in a saltwater solution with a higher concentration (hypertonic solution) than their internal environment, water will move out of the cells in an attempt to balance the concentration of solutes on both sides of the cell membrane. As a result, the red blood cells will lose water and shrink (decrease in size).