If a red blood cell is placed in a salt solution and bursts, what is the tonicity of the solution relative to the interior of the cell?

Question

View Available Hint(s)for Part E

Isotonic
Osmotic
Hypertonic
Hypotonic

Answer 1

If a red blood cell is placed in a salt solution and bursts, the tonicity of the solution relative to the interior of the cell is hypotonic.

Here's the reasoning: A hypotonic solution has a lower concentration of solutes (like salt) compared to the interior of the cell. This causes water to flow into the cell, leading to swelling and potentially bursting (lysis) of the red blood cell.