An investigation is set up to study the movement of water through a membrane. The results are shown in the diagram.
Based on these results, which statement correctly predicts what will happen to red blood cells when they are placed in a beaker containing a saltwater solution that has a salt concentration much higher than that of the red blood cells?
A.
The red blood cells will lose water and decrease in size.
B.
The red blood cells will absorb water and increase in size.
C.
The red blood cells will first absorb water, then lose water.
D.
The red blood cells will first lose water, then absorb water.
A.
The red blood cells will lose water and decrease in size.
A. The red blood cells will lose water and decrease in size.
To determine what will happen to red blood cells when placed in a saltwater solution with a higher salt concentration, we can use the information from the investigation. In the diagram, we see that in solutions with lower salt concentrations, the red blood cells absorb water and increase in size. However, in solutions with higher salt concentrations, the red blood cells lose water and decrease in size.
Therefore, based on these results, the correct prediction would be:
A. The red blood cells will lose water and decrease in size.