01 In which condition is a red blood cell most likely to shrink?
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: C. In a hypertonic solution
Explanation: A hypertonic solution has a higher effective solute concentration outside the red blood cell than inside it. Water therefore moves out of the cell through its selectively permeable membrane by osmosis, causing the cell to lose volume and shrink; this is called crenation. In an isotonic solution there is no net water movement, while a hypotonic solution or pure water drives water into the cell and may cause swelling or haemolysis.