What explains the effect on a red blood cell of being placed into pure water?
Correct answer: B. More water enters the cell than leaves it, so the cell swells and bursts.
- A. Less water leaves the cell than enters it, so the cell shrinks.
- B. More water enters the cell than leaves it, so the cell swells and bursts.
- C. Water enters the cells and none leaves it, so the cell swells and bursts.
- D. Water enters the cell and more leaves it, so the cell shrinks.
Explanation
b) More water enters the cell than leaves it, so the cell swells and bursts:This option is partially correct. When a red blood cell is placed into pure water, water molecules will move into the cell by osmosis. The influx of water will cause the cell to swell. However, under normal conditions, a red blood cell has a flexible membrane that can stretch to accommodate the influx of water, preventing the cell from bursting.
This question appeared on the HEC Phase II 2017 paper, which you can sit online with every answer explained.
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About Biological Importance of Water
Water supports life through its polarity, hydrogen bonding and ability to dissolve ionic and polar substances. Its high specific heat, heat of vaporization, cohesion, adhesion and incompressibility help regulate temperature, transport materials and maintain structure, while hydrolysis and osmosis depend directly on water.
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