A red blood cell placed in pure water will swell because
A)the osmotic pressure is greater in the water than in the cell.
B)the osmotic pressure is the same in the cell and the water.
C)the osmotic pressure is greater in the cell than in the water.
D)water moves from a higher osmotic pressure to a lower osmotic pressure.
E)the vapor pressure of the water in the cell is greater than the vapor pressure of pure water.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

DWhen a red blood cell is placed in pure water, the osmotic pressure inside the cell is greater than that of the surrounding water. This difference in osmotic pressure causes water to move into the cell, leading to swelling. Water moves from an area of lower osmotic pressure (pure water) to an area of higher osmotic pressure (inside the cell) to equalize the osmotic pressure on both sides of the cell membrane.

A Red Blood Cell Placed in Pure Water Will Swell