Question

Blood cells will remain as such in
A. Hypertonic solution
B. Hypotonic solution
C. Isotonic solution
D. None of these

Answer 1

Hint: Solution are of three types on the basis of concentration of solution. If any solution has less number of solute molecules then the solution is said to be hypertonic (diluted or less concentrated) as compared to other solution, hypertonic solution (highly concentrated). If the concentration of both the solution is same then the solution is said to isotonic solutions. In this question we need to find impact of all the three solution on blood cell.

Complete Step by Step Answer:
When we take solution which is hypertonic solution, less concentrated or dilute (less number of solute molecules) as compared to blood cell. Outer surface of the blood cell acts like a semipermeable membrane.

It is very interesting to know that a semi-permeable membrane only allows the passage of solvent molecules (liquid) from the solution but not solute (solid). Now the solvent of the solution which is less concentrated moves towards the solution which is highly concentrated through a semipermeable membrane inside the blood cell. And thus, blood cells will burst or be swollen in a solution that is less concentrated in the blood cell.

If a cell is present in a hypotonic solution. The hypotonic solution contains a large number of solute molecules and so, it will be more concentrated as compared to the blood cell. As the solvent moves from a less concentrated solution to a highly concentrated solution thus, blood cell solvent moves toward a hypotonic solution through a semipermeable membrane. Thus, in this case, blood cells will shrink.

This is the case when the solution is hypotonic and hypertonic . If the solution is isotonic then the concentration of solution is the same as blood cell concentration (number of solutes per volume). If the concentration is the same then osmotic pressure will be equal for both solutions and osmosis occurs with the same speed and with the same force in both solutions. In short, there will be no effect on blood cells when placed in an isotonic solution.
Thus, the correct option is C as the blood cell remains as such in an isotonic solution.

Note: It is important to note that the temperature of solution for calculating osmotic pressure by vol’t Hoff solution equation should be absolute temperature or can say the temperature measured in kelvin scale. If the temperature of the solution is given in Celsius, first convert to kelvin to make it absolute to find an osmotic solution.