A clinical study is conducted to determine the actions of an unknown test solution on red blood cell volume. One milliliter of heparinized human blood is pipetted into 100 milliliters of test solution and mixed. Samples are taken and analyzed immediately before and at 1-second intervals after mixing. The results show that red blood cells placed into the test solution immediately swell and burst. Which of the following best describes the tonicity and osmolarity of the test solution?
Correct Answer: Hypotonic; could be hyperosmotic, hypo-osmotic, or iso-osmotic
Description: Tonicity and osmolarity are different. Osmolarity is merely another measure of solute concentration. Tonicity depends on the cell membrane and the solute and is determined by the behavior of the cells. The fact that red blood cells placed into the test solution gained volume (swelled) indicates that the test solution is hypotonic. In contrast, the osmolarity of the test solution cannot be determined by the behavior of the cells.
Category:
Physiology
Get More
Subject Mock Tests
Practice with over 200,000 questions from various medical subjects and improve your knowledge.
Attempt a mock test nowMock Exam
Take an exam with 100 random questions selected from all subjects to test your knowledge.
Coming SoonGet More
Subject Mock Tests
Try practicing mock tests with over 200,000 questions from various medical subjects.
Attempt a mock test now