Question

What would be the consequence of a blood cell is moved from isotonic to the hypertonic solution?
A) The cell would swell.
B) The cell would shrivel up.
C) The cell would immediately lyse.
D) The cell membrane would be reinforced.
E) Nothing: the cell would be in equilibrium.

Answer 1

Osmotic concentration is defined as the amount of solute dissolved in one unit volume of solution. The solute is the substance that is dissolved in the solvent. For example – sugar (solute) is dissolved in water (solvent). Solute and solvent together form the solution. There are three types of solutions on the basis of osmotic concentration- hypertonic, hypotonic and isotonic concentration.

Complete answer:
Before proceeding to the answer, we should know about different types of osmotic concentrations and osmosis. A solution is called a hypertonic solution when it has a higher solute concentration than outside. The cells placed in hypertonic solution shrinks away due to loss of water by osmosis.

When a cell is placed in a solution having less solute concentration than the cell, the cell swells up due to the movement of water into the cell. This solution is called a hypotonic solution. In an isotonic solution, there is no movement of water into or out of the cell. It remains in equilibrium and nothing would happen to the cell.

Osmosis is the process in which solvent such as water moves from higher solvent concentration (or lower solute concentration) to lower solvent concentration (higher solute concentration) through a semi-permeable membrane.

When a blood cell is moved in hypertonic solution from the isotonic solution, the blood cell would shrivel up. This is because the blood cell has less solute concentration than the surrounding solution. Water will come out of the cell due to osmosis and the cell shrinks up.

Thus, the answer to the question is (B.) The cell would shrivel up.

Note: Isotonic solution is ideal condition for the blood cell to perform its functions well. It helps the blood cell in the movement of water and other essential nutrients into and out of the cell. It also helps in the transportation of oxygen to various parts of the body.