Question

flasks x, y, and z contain solutions with different concentrations of the solute nacl. flask x has 0.5% nacl, flask y has 0.9% nacl, flask z has 1.5% nacl. red blood cells (0.9% nacl) will be placed into each flask. what will happen to red blood cells in flask x? shrink unchanged only swell swell and followed by hemolysis

Explanation:

Step1: Understand osmosis concept

Osmosis is the movement of water across a semi - permeable membrane from an area of lower solute concentration to an area of higher solute concentration.

Step2: Analyze solute concentrations

Red blood cells have 0.9% NaCl internally. Flask X has 0.5% NaCl, which is a hypotonic solution compared to the inside of red blood cells.

Step3: Determine water movement

Water will move into the red blood cells from the hypotonic solution in Flask X due to the concentration gradient.

Step4: Predict cell response

As water enters the cells, they will swell. If too much water enters, the cells will burst (hemolysis).

Answer:

swell and followed by hemolysis