a biologist diluted a blood sample with distilled water. While observing the sample with a microscope, she noted that the red blood cells had burst. This bursting is most likely the result of which process?
osmosis or diffusion. More likely osmosis.
Osmosis
Osmosis
The bursting of red blood cells in this scenario is most likely the result of a process known as osmosis.
To understand why, let's break down the situation. When the biologist diluted the blood sample with distilled water, she created a difference in the concentration of solutes (substances dissolved in the blood) between the red blood cells and the surrounding fluid (water).
In a normal, undiluted blood sample, the concentration of solutes inside the red blood cells is higher compared to the surrounding fluid, which creates a balanced and healthy environment for the cells.
However, when the sample is diluted with distilled water, the concentration of solutes inside the red blood cells becomes lower than in the surrounding fluid. This means that there is now a higher concentration of water molecules outside the red blood cells compared to the inside.
Here's where osmosis comes into play. Osmosis is the movement of water molecules across a semi-permeable membrane (in this scenario, the membrane is the outer layer of the red blood cells) from an area of higher concentration (in this case, outside the cells) to an area of lower concentration (inside the cells).
Considering the higher concentration of water outside the red blood cells, water molecules start to move into the cells via osmosis. As a result, the red blood cells take in water and start to swell. Eventually, this excess water intake causes the red blood cells to burst or rupture, leading to their disintegration.
Therefore, the bursting of red blood cells in this scenario is the consequence of osmosis, due to the movement of water from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration.