Chapter 11, Problem 88QP

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The change in a blood cell when placed in pure water is to be explained.

Concept Introduction:

Blood solution is an isotonic solution as the concentration of the dissolved solute and red blood cells and are the same in it. A blood solution may also have more or less solute concentration as compared to the red blood cells. When the solute concentration is more than red blood cells in a blood solution, it is called hypertonic while when the solute concentration is less than red blood cells, 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 transfer of the solvent particles takes place through a barrier that restricts the passage of the solute particles.