Red blood cells were placed in three saline solutions and observed under a microscope. The table below records cell appearance after 5 minutes.
Which interpretation is supported?
- Acheck_circle
Solution B is hypotonic and Solution C is hypertonic to the cytoplasm.
- B
Crenation in C indicates water entry.
- C
Solution A is hypertonic; cells lose water.
- D
All three solutions are isotonic to the cytoplasm.
Explanation
Cell lysis in dilute (0.2%) saline indicates net water entry (hypotonic external). Crenation in concentrated (3%) saline indicates net water loss (hypertonic external). 0.9% is isotonic.