When Blood Cells are Placed in a Hypertonic Solution, _______

Question

When blood cells are placed in a hypertonic solution, _______.
A) the net movement of water molecules is zero
B) the blood cells die immediately
C) there is a net movement of water molecules out of the cells
D) the blood cells swell and may burst

Accepted Answer

A hypertonic solution has a higher concentration of solutes compared to the inside of the cells. As a result, there is a concentration gradient that drives water molecules out of the cells, causing them to shrink and possibly die if exposed for a prolonged period.