In animals, the solute balance of the plasma surrounding blood cells must be carefully maintained so that the blood cells are not affected by changes in fluid or solute balance.If the plasma becomes hypotonic compared with the blood cells, what will be the effect?
A) The blood cells will swell and possibly burst.
B) The blood cells will lose water and shrink.
C) Water will move from the blood cell into the plasma.
D) Solutes will move from the blood cell into the plasma.
E) Solutes will move from the plasma into the blood cell.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

If the plasma becomes hypotonic compared with the blood cells, water will move from the plasma into the blood cells causing the cells to swell and potentially burst. This is known as hemolysis.

In Animals, the Solute Balance of the Plasma Surrounding Blood