Question

What would be the consequence if a blood cell is moved from isotonic to hypertonic solution?

• A. The cell would swell.
• B. The cell would shrivel up.
• C. The cell would immediately lyse.
• D. The cell membrane would be reinforced.
• E. Nothing; the cell would be in equilibrium.

Answer 1

Answer: (B)

The cell would shrivel up.

The solution having higher solute concentration is said to be hypertonic while the one having lower solute concentration is called as a hypotonic solution. When blood cells are placed in hypertonic solution, water will move out of these cells into the surrounding solution via the process of osmosis. This will cause the blood cells to shrink /shrivel. If the cell was placed in isotonic solution, it would be in equilibrium and nothing would happen. If the cell was placed in hypotonic solution, water will enter into the cell causing it to swell.

So, the correct answer is option B.