Question

1. flasks x, y, and z contain solutions with different concentrations of nacl: • flask x: 0.5% nacl • flask y: 0.9% nacl • flask z: 1.5% nacl red blood cells (0.9% nacl) are placed into each flask. predict what will happen to the blood cells in each flask: • flask x: contract flask y: unchanged flask z: swell • flask x: swell flask y: unchanged flask z: contract • flask x: unchanged flask y: swell flask z: contract • flask x: unchanged flask y: unchanged flask z: unchanged

Explanation:

• Flask X (0.5% NaCl): The solution is hypotonic compared to the red blood cells (0.9% NaCl). Water will move into the cells by osmosis, causing them to swell.
• Flask Y (0.9% NaCl): The solution is isotonic to the red blood cells. There is no net movement of water, so the cells remain unchanged.
• Flask Z (1.5% NaCl): The solution is hypertonic compared to the red blood cells. Water will move out of the cells by osmosis, causing them to contract.

Answer:

Flask X: Swell, Flask Y: Unchanged, Flask Z: Contract