Wes places red blood cells in a petri dish with pure water and observes them under a microscope. He drew a model to illustrate his observations. Swollen red blood cells. One blood cell has burst, releasing its contents. What is the most likely explanation for Wes's observations? A. The red blood cells were placed into an isotonic solution. Water moved into and out of the cells to maintain homeostasis. B. The red blood cells were placed into an isotonic solution. Water moved into the cells until the cells burst. C. The red blood cells were placed in a hypertonic solution. Water moved from the inside of the cells to the outside of the cells to maintain homeostasis. D. The red blood cells were placed in a hypotonic solution. Water moved from the outside of the cells to the inside of the cells until the cells burst.

Question

Biology

Charlee Huynh

27 January, 20:10

Wes places red blood cells in a petri dish with pure water and observes them under a microscope. He drew a model to illustrate his observations. Swollen red blood cells. One blood cell has burst, releasing its contents. What is the most likely explanation for Wes's observations? A. The red blood cells were placed into an isotonic solution. Water moved into and out of the cells to maintain homeostasis. B. The red blood cells were placed into an isotonic solution. Water moved into the cells until the cells burst. C. The red blood cells were placed in a hypertonic solution. Water moved from the inside of the cells to the outside of the cells to maintain homeostasis. D. The red blood cells were placed in a hypotonic solution. Water moved from the outside of the cells to the inside of the cells until the cells burst.

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Toby Davila · Answer 1

The correct answer is: D. The red blood cells were placed in a hypotonic solution. Water moved from the outside of the cells to the inside of the cells until the cells burst.

Hypotonic solution can be described as solution that has less solute and more water (H2O) than another solution. In order to maintain homeostasis, the water will move (via osmosis) into the cell, through the semipermeable membrane of the red blood cell.