A red blood cell placed in pure, distilled water would
shrink
swell initially, then shrink as equilibrium is reached
swell and may burst
neither shrink nor swell
The Correct Answer is C
A. Shrink: Shrinking of a red blood cell occurs when it is placed in a hypertonic solution, where water moves out of the cell. Distilled water is hypotonic, so shrinking will not occur.
B. Swell initially, then shrink as equilibrium is reached: In a hypotonic environment, water enters the cell continuously due to osmotic pressure. Red blood cells do not have mechanisms to expel water quickly, so they do not shrink after initial swelling.
C. Swell and may burst: Distilled water is hypotonic compared to the cytoplasm of red blood cells. Water moves into the cells by osmosis, increasing internal pressure, which can cause the cells to swell and eventually lyse (burst) if the influx is excessive.
D. Neither shrink nor swell: This would occur only in an isotonic solution, where solute concentrations inside and outside the cell are equal. Since distilled water is hypotonic, the red blood cell will experience swelling rather than remain the same size.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. The osmolarity decreases and the water concentration increases: Increasing solute concentration does not decrease osmolarity; higher solute levels actually increase osmolarity while reducing free water concentration.
B. The osmolarity decreases and the water concentration decreases: Increasing solute concentration raises osmolarity rather than lowering it, even though water concentration does decrease.
C. The osmolarity increases and the water concentration increases: While osmolarity rises with higher solute concentration, the water concentration does not increase; it decreases as water molecules are effectively bound by solutes.
D. The osmolarity increases and the water concentration decreases: Higher solute concentration increases osmolarity, creating a stronger driving force for water movement. At the same time, the concentration of free water decreases because more water molecules are associated with solutes.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Serving as the site for ribosomal RNA synthesis: Ribosomal RNA is synthesized in the nucleolus, not the centrioles.
B. Forming the basis of cilia and flagella: Centrioles are cylindrical structures that organize microtubules and serve as basal bodies for the formation of cilia and flagella, which are essential for cell movement and fluid transport.
C. Providing a whiplike beating motion to move substances along cell surfaces: The beating motion of cilia and flagella is powered by motor proteins and microtubule interactions, not directly by centrioles.
D. Producing ATP: ATP production occurs in mitochondria, not in centrioles, which are structural and organizing components of the cell.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.