Which solution is isotonic to a red blood cell?
A)water
B)0.9% NaCl
C)10% glucose
D)0.5% NaCl
E)2% glucose

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

An isotonic solution is one that has the same concentration of solutes as the cell. Since red blood cells have a concentration of 0.9% NaCl, the solution that is isotonic to it is also 0.9% NaCl. Water (A) would be hypotonic, meaning that it has a lower concentration of solutes than the cell and could cause the cell to burst. 10% glucose (C) and 2% glucose (E) would be hypertonic, meaning that they have a higher concentration of solutes than the cell and could cause the cell to shrink. 0.5% NaCl (D) would be hypotonic as it has a lower concentration of solutes than the cell.

Which Solution Is Isotonic to a Red Blood Cell