Question

When blood cells are placed in 1% (w/v) NaCl aqueous solution:

• A. Cell will burst
• B. Cell will shrink
• C. Cell will swell
• D. Cell remains as such

Hint:

Key Exam Tip:
When dealing with osmosis and cell behavior:
• Hypertonic Solution: Higher solute concentration outside the cell $\implies$ water moves out $\implies$ cell shrinks (crenation).
• Hypotonic Solution: Lower solute concentration outside the cell $\implies$ water moves in $\implies$ cell swells and may burst (hemolysis).
• Isotonic Solution: Equal solute concentration $\implies$ no net water movement $\implies$ cell maintains shape. For red blood cells, 0.9% NaCl is approximately isotonic.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B