These red blood cells have all been placed in different solutions! Based on their appearance after being placed in these solutions for a period of time, place on each line (A) for hypertonic, (B) for hypotonic, or (C) for isotonic.
7. The cells are ________________ compared to the ________________ solution. (Swelling)
8. The cells are _______________ compared to the ______________
solution. (Shrinking)
9. The cells are ________________ compared to the_______________ solution. (Stable)
To determine the tonicity of the solutions and their effect on the red blood cells, we need to understand the concepts of hypertonic, hypotonic, and isotonic solutions.
Hypertonic solution: A hypertonic solution has a higher concentration of solute compared to the solution it is being compared to. When a red blood cell is placed in a hypertonic solution, water flows out of the cell, causing it to shrink or crenate.
Hypotonic solution: A hypotonic solution has a lower concentration of solute compared to the solution it is being compared to. When a red blood cell is placed in a hypotonic solution, water flows into the cell, causing it to swell and potentially burst or lyse.
Isotonic solution: An isotonic solution has the same concentration of solute as the solution it is being compared to. When a red blood cell is placed in an isotonic solution, there is no net movement of water, and the cell retains its normal shape.
Now, let's analyze each scenario and determine the tonicity of the solution based on the appearance of the red blood cells.
7. The cells are ________________ compared to the ________________ solution. (Swelling)
If the cells have swollen, it means water has flowed into the cells, causing them to expand. This indicates that the solution is hypotonic compared to the red blood cells. So, the answer for scenario 7 is (B) hypotonic.
8. The cells are _______________ compared to the ______________ solution. (Shrinking)
If the cells have shrunk or crenated, it means water has flowed out of the cells, causing them to decrease in size. This indicates that the solution is hypertonic compared to the red blood cells. Therefore, the answer for scenario 8 is (A) hypertonic.
9. The cells are ________________ compared to the_______________ solution. (Stable)
If the cells remain stable and show no change in size or shape, it means there is no net movement of water. This indicates that the solution is isotonic compared to the red blood cells. Thus, the answer for scenario 9 is (C) isotonic.