Question

How does the size of blood cells change when placed in an aqueous solution containing more than 0.9% (mass/volume) sodium chloride?

Hint:

- Hypertonic solution: Water leaves the cell, causing shrinkage. - Hypotonic solution: Water enters the cell, causing swelling.

Answer 1

Blood cells undergo shrinkage.
Step 1: Hypertonic Solutions Defined Solutions containing over 0.9% NaCl are classified as hypertonic relative to the intracellular fluid of blood cells. 

Step 2: Impact on Blood Cells Osmosis causes water to exit blood cells and enter the hypertonic solution, aiming to equalize the concentration gradient. This process results in the crenation (shrinking) of blood cells.