Question

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

Explanation:

Osmosis is the movement of water from an area of lower solute concentration to an area of higher solute concentration across a semi - permeable membrane. In this case, the saltwater solution has a higher salt (solute) concentration than the red blood cells. So, water will move out of the red blood cells (from lower solute concentration inside the cell to higher solute concentration outside the cell).

Answer:

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