Why does a solution of Haemolysed red blood cells look clear instead of cloudy?
A solution of haemolysed red blood cells appears clear rather than cloudy due to the release of hemoglobin from the ruptured cells. When red blood cells are haemolysed, their cell membranes break, leading to the liberation of the red-colored pigment called hemoglobin. Hemoglobin is soluble in the surrounding fluid, and when it is released from the damaged cells, it disperses evenly throughout the solution. As a result, the solution will look clear rather than forming aggregates or precipitates that would cause cloudiness.
To observe the haemolysis of red blood cells, one can perform a simple experiment:
1. Collect a small amount of blood (typically from a finger prick or a venous blood sample).
2. Place the blood sample in a tube or a test tube.
3. Gently shake or agitate the tube to induce the rupture of the red blood cells (haemolysis).
4. Observe the appearance of the resulting solution.
By following these steps, you can witness the clear solution obtained after the haemolysis of red blood cells and understand why it appears clear rather than cloudy.