Question

ms. sadlers biology class was investigating the effect of different concentrations of nacl on the appearance of red blood cells. the cells were examined under a compound microscope within seconds of mixing a drop of the blood cell sample with different solutions. the cells on one of the slides burst immediately. what is the nature of the solution that caused the red blood cells to burst, and why did this happen? oa the solution was isotonic to the red blood cells, and the water in the solution diffused into the cells, causing the them to burst. ob the solution was hypotonic to the red blood cells, and the water in the solution diffused into the cells, causing the them to burst. oc the solution was hypotonic to the red blood cells, and the salt in the cells diffused out, causing the cells to burst. od the solution was isotonic to the red blood cells, and the salt diffuses in, causing the cells to burst.

Explanation:

In a hypotonic solution, the solute concentration outside the red - blood cells is lower than inside. Water moves into the cells by osmosis, causing them to swell and burst. In an isotonic solution, there is no net movement of water, so the cells would not burst.

Answer:

B. The solution was hypotonic to the red blood cells, and the water in the solution diffused into the cells, causing them to burst.