A red blood cell placed in distilled (pure) water (which is hypotonic) would
A) swell and burst.
B) shrink.
C) swell, then shrink as equilibrium is reached.
D) neither shrink nor swell.
E) maintain a low hydrostatic pressure.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A red blood cell placed in distilled water, which is hypotonic, will swell and burst due to osmotic pressure as water moves into the cell where the solute concentration is higher.

A Red Blood Cell Placed in Distilled (Pure) Water (Which