Red blood cells placed in a concentrated salt solution shrink and develop a spiky outline. What explains this?

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Question

Red blood cells placed in a concentrated salt solution shrink and develop a spiky outline. What explains this?

Accepted Answer

Water leaves by osmosis and there is no wall to maintain the shape — Award 1 mark. The cell becomes crenated, which is the animal equivalent of the plasmolysis seen in plant cells.

Answer

The haemoglobin denatures and contracts

Answer

Salt ions are actively pumped into the cell, damaging the membrane

Answer

Water leaves by osmosis and there is no wall to maintain the shape

Answer

The cell wall collapses inwards

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