Podcast
Questions and Answers
What happens to red blood cells when they are placed in a hypotonic environment?
What happens to red blood cells when they are placed in a hypotonic environment?
- They maintain their normal shape and volume.
- They become plasmolyzed and their membranes strengthen.
- They shrivel and become spiny due to water loss.
- They swell and may rupture due to excessive water intake. (correct)
Why do animal cells tend to increase in volume when placed in a hypotonic environment?
Why do animal cells tend to increase in volume when placed in a hypotonic environment?
- Animal cells actively pump water into their cytoplasm.
- Animal cells have rigid cell walls that expand in hypotonic environments.
- The plasma membrane actively breaks down in hypotonic environments.
- Water moves into the cell due to osmosis, and animal cells lack a cell wall to prevent expansion. (correct)
What is the term for the process where red blood cells shrivel and take on a 'spiny' appearance in a hypertonic environment?
What is the term for the process where red blood cells shrivel and take on a 'spiny' appearance in a hypertonic environment?
- Crenation (correct)
- Hemolysis
- Plasmolysis
- Turgor pressure
What structural feature do animal cells lack that contributes to their fragility in hypotonic solutions?
What structural feature do animal cells lack that contributes to their fragility in hypotonic solutions?
If red blood cells are observed to be 'normal' in shape, what type of solution are they most likely in?
If red blood cells are observed to be 'normal' in shape, what type of solution are they most likely in?
In an experiment, red blood cells are placed in a solution and begin to shrink. Which of the following best describes the solution?
In an experiment, red blood cells are placed in a solution and begin to shrink. Which of the following best describes the solution?
How does the plasma membrane of a red blood cell respond when the pressure pushing against it becomes excessive due to water entering the cell?
How does the plasma membrane of a red blood cell respond when the pressure pushing against it becomes excessive due to water entering the cell?
Compared to a plant cell, what is a key difference that affects how an animal cell responds to changes in osmotic pressure?
Compared to a plant cell, what is a key difference that affects how an animal cell responds to changes in osmotic pressure?
If red blood cells are placed in an environment where they hemolyze, what characteristic would you expect of that environment?
If red blood cells are placed in an environment where they hemolyze, what characteristic would you expect of that environment?
Which of the following correctly pairs the solution type with its effect on red blood cells?
Which of the following correctly pairs the solution type with its effect on red blood cells?
Flashcards
Animal cell walls
Animal cell walls
Animal cells lack a rigid cell wall, unlike plant cells.
Plasma membrane
Plasma membrane
The outer boundary of an animal cell; selectively permeable.
Hemolysis
Hemolysis
Red blood cells rupture due to water influx.
Crenation
Crenation
Red blood cells shrink and become spiny due to water loss.
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Hypertonic Solution
Hypertonic Solution
Solution with a higher solute concentration than inside the cell; causes cell to lose water.
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Hypotonic Solution
Hypotonic Solution
Solution with a lower solute concentration than inside the cell; causes cell to gain water.
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Isotonic Solution
Isotonic Solution
Solution with the same solute concentration as inside the cell; no net water movement.
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- Animal cells differ from plant cells as they lack a rigid cell wall.
- The external boundary of an animal cell is the selectively permeable plasma membrane.
- Animal cells tend to increase in volume as water enters.
- The plasma membrane is relatively fragile and can rupture if too much water enters potentially due to excessive pressure.
- If water moves out, the cell becomes plasmolyzed and appears spiny.
- Red blood cells (RBCs) are fragile and will hemolyze (rupture) in a hypotonic environment.
- RBCs placed in a hypertonic environment will lose water and develop a spiny appearance, a process called crenation.
- RBCs in an isotonic solution appear "normal" when viewed using scanning electron micrographs.
- RBCs in a hypertonic solution are described as "crenate."
- RBCs in a hypotonic solution are hemolyzed.
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