What will happen to a red blood cell (rbc),which has an internal ion concentration of about 0.9 percent,if it is placed into a beaker of pure water?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A red blood cell has a lower internal ion concentration (0.9 percent) than pure water, which means pure water is hypotonic relative to the cytoplasm of the rbc. The osmotic pressure gradient favors water entering into the rbc, leading to swelling or lysis of the cell. Therefore, the correct answer is D, the cell would swell because the water in the beaker is hypotonic relative to the cytoplasm of the rbc.

What Will Happen to a Red Blood Cell (Rbc),which Has