Question

question red blood cells are hemolyzed when the cells are placed in ________. answer

• an isotonic solution
• a hypertonic solution
• a hypotonic solution
• 5% salt solution
• i dont know yet

Explanation:

To determine when red blood cells hemolyze, we analyze each option:

• An isotonic solution has the same solute concentration as the cell, so no net water movement occurs, and hemolysis does not happen.
• A hypertonic solution has a higher solute concentration than the cell. This causes water to leave the cell, leading to crenation (shrinking), not hemolysis.
• A hypotonic solution has a lower solute concentration than the cell. Water moves into the cell via osmosis, causing the cell to swell and eventually burst (hemolyze).
• A 5% salt solution is hypertonic relative to red blood cells (which have an approximate internal salt concentration of 0.9%). So, water leaves the cell, and crenation occurs, not hemolysis.

Answer:

C. a hypotonic solution