Question

multiple choice question
solution b shows red blood cells in a ______ solution.
o hypotonic
o hypertonic
o isotonic

Explanation:

To determine the type of solution for red blood cells in Solution B, we analyze osmosis:

• In a hypotonic solution, water moves into the cell (causing it to swell/burst), but here the red blood cells in B appear normal? Wait, no—wait, the arrows: in Solution B, water is moving into the cells? Wait, no, let's recall:
• Isotonic: equal solute inside and outside, cell shape normal.
• Hypotonic: lower solute outside, water enters cell (cell swells).
• Hypertonic: higher solute outside, water leaves cell (cell shrinks).

Wait, looking at the diagram: Solution B has red blood cells that look normal (or maybe swollen? Wait, the arrows show water moving into the cells (H₂O arrow towards cells). Wait, no—wait, the labels: in Solution B, the red blood cells are larger? Wait, no, maybe I misread. Wait, the key is: in a hypotonic solution, water enters the red blood cell (because external solute concentration is lower, so water moves in, cell swells). In Solution B, the arrows show H₂O moving into the cells, so the solution is hypotonic? Wait, no—wait, maybe I got it reversed. Wait, no: osmosis is water moving from low solute (high water) to high solute (low water). So if the solution outside (Solution B) has lower solute than inside the red blood cell, water moves into the cell (hypotonic solution). If the solution outside has higher solute, water moves out (hypertonic, cell shrinks). In Solution C, cells are shrunken (water moving out), so C is hypertonic. In Solution B, cells are swollen (water moving in), so B is hypotonic? Wait, but the options: the first option is hypotonic. Wait, maybe the diagram: Solution A: normal? Solution B: cells are bigger (water in), so hypotonic. So the correct answer is hypotonic.

Answer:

A. hypotonic