Question

1. define the terms hypotonic, hypertonic and isotonic as they relate to solutions. state what would happen to a red blood cell that was placed in each solution.

Explanation:

Hypotonic solutions have a lower solute - concentration than the cell. Water moves into the red blood cell (RBC), causing it to swell and potentially burst (hemolysis). Hypertonic solutions have a higher solute - concentration than the cell. Water moves out of the RBC, causing it to shrink (crenation). Isotonic solutions have the same solute - concentration as the cell. There is no net movement of water, and the RBC maintains its normal shape.

Answer:

Hypotonic: Water enters RBC, it swells and may burst. Hypertonic: Water leaves RBC, it shrinks. Isotonic: No net water movement, RBC maintains shape.