The necropsy (postmortem analysis)of a freshwater fish that died after being placed accidentally in saltwater would likely show that
A) loss of water by osmosis from cells in vital organs resulted in cell death and organ failure.
B) high amounts of salt had diffused into the fish's cells, causing them to swell and lyse.
C) the kidneys were not able to keep up with the water removal necessary in this hyperosmotic environment, creating an irrevocable loss of homeostasis.
D) the gills became encrusted with salt, resulting in inadequate gas exchange and a resulting asphyxiation.
E) brain cells lysed as a result of increased osmotic pressure in this hyperosmotic environment, leading to death by loss of autonomic function.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The saltwater is a hypertonic solution to the freshwater fish, so water will move out of its cells by osmosis. This will cause the cells in vital organs to lose water, resulting in cell death and organ failure. A necropsy (postmortem analysis) would likely show evidence of this cellular damage.

The Necropsy (Postmortem Analysis)of a Freshwater Fish That Died After