The total solute concentration of a red blood cell is about 2%. Sucrose cannot pass through a red blood cell's plasma membrane, but water and urea can. Which of the following solutions will cause a red blood cell to shrink?

a. a hypertonic sucrose solution.

b. a hypotonic sucrose solution.

c. a hypertonic urea solution.

d. a hypotonic urea solution.

Question

Chemistry

Heidi Coleman

21 May, 06:24

The total solute concentration of a red blood cell is about 2%. Sucrose cannot pass through a red blood cell's plasma membrane, but water and urea can. Which of the following solutions will cause a red blood cell to shrink?

a. a hypertonic sucrose solution.

b. a hypotonic sucrose solution.

c. a hypertonic urea solution.

d. a hypotonic urea solution.

+2

Answers (1)

Know the Answer?

Paulina Hart · Answer 1

Answer: Option C) a hypertonic urea solution

Explanation:

Since red blood cells shrink in a solution of higher concentration than itself, a hypertonic urea solution will cause water to be lost through the plasma membrane of the red blood cells leading to shrinking of the red blood cells and possibly death.