If a red blood cell is placed in a hypotonic solution,
A)the cell will shrink.
B)only permeable substances will leave; but concentrations in the cell do not change.
C)the cell will remain the same size and shape.
D)the cell will swell and may eventually burst.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

In a hypotonic solution, the concentration of solutes is lower outside the cell compared to the inside of the cell. Therefore, water will move from an area of higher concentration (outside the cell) to an area of lower concentration (inside the cell). As a result, the cell will swell and may eventually burst due to osmotic pressure.

If a Red Blood Cell Is Placed in a Hypotonic