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 (RBC) has an internal ion concentration of about 0.9 percent, which makes it isotonic with a normal saline solution. When placed in pure water, the water outside the cell becomes hypotonic relative to the cytoplasm of the RBC. As a result, water moves into the cell through osmosis causing it to swell and potentially burst. Therefore, the correct option is D, i.e., 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