Chapter 11, Problem 87QP

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The change observed in a blood cell placed in an aqueous solution with a higher salt concentration than that in it is to be explained.

Concept Introduction:

Blood solution is an isotonic solution as the concentrations of the dissolved solute in it and red blood cells are the same. It may also have more or less concentration of the solute as compared to the red blood cells. When the concentration of the solute is more in the blood solution than that in a red blood cell, it is called hypertonic and, when it is less than that in a red blood cell, it is called hypotonic. For both hypertonic and hypotonic blood solutions, water may leave or enter the red blood cells, depending on the solute concentration, via osmosis. Osmosis is a process in which the net transfer of the particles of a solvent takes place through a barrier that restricts the same.