Red blood cells are placed into pure water.Which of the following statements is true?
A)Water molecules flow out of the red blood cells,causing them to collapse.
B)Water flows into the red blood cells,causing them to swell and burst.
C)The osmotic pressure of the cell contents increases,causing the cells to burst.
D)The osmotic pressure inside the cells equals the osmotic pressure outside.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

When red blood cells are placed into pure water, the water concentration outside the cells is higher than inside the cells. This creates a concentration gradient for water molecules to move from an area of high concentration (outside the cells) to an area of low concentration (inside the cells). As a result, water flows into the cells, causing them to swell and eventually burst. This process is known as hemolysis. Therefore, option B is the correct answer.

Red Blood Cells Are Placed into Pure Water