Question

If human red blood cells are placed in an isotonic solution (0.9% NaCl; MW = 58.4;...

If human red blood cells are placed in an isotonic solution (0.9% NaCl; MW = 58.4; 37°C), they neither gain nor lose water. (a) Calculate the osmotic potential (atm) inside those red blood cells; (b) What would happen to the cells if they were placed in pure water, rather than the isotonic solution? Why?

0 0
Add a comment Improve this question Transcribed image text
Answer #1

Answer (a) is being explained in the image attached.

Answer (b) : If the human red blood cells were placed in pure water, the cells would undergo the process of osmosis and swell up. These cells would ultimately burst out due to pressure building up within them. An isotonic solution is the one having similar osmotic pressure between the two solutions that are usually separated by a semipermeable membrane. So the movement of water is free in such solutions.

Add a comment
Know the answer?
Add Answer to:
If human red blood cells are placed in an isotonic solution (0.9% NaCl; MW = 58.4;...
Your Answer:

Post as a guest

Your Name:

What's your source?

Earn Coins

Coins can be redeemed for fabulous gifts.

Not the answer you're looking for? Ask your own homework help question. Our experts will answer your question WITHIN MINUTES for Free.
Similar Homework Help Questions
ADVERTISEMENT
Free Homework Help App
Download From Google Play
Scan Your Homework
to Get Instant Free Answers
Need Online Homework Help?
Ask a Question
Get Answers For Free
Most questions answered within 3 hours.
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT