What can happen to a red blood cell if placed into a solution that is more dilute than its own cell contents?

The red blood cell is an animal cell therefore has no cell wall and will change its shape and seize dependent on the concentrations of solutions around it. When placed in a more dilture solution a red blood cell will have water move into the cell via osmosis. This will cause the inside of the cell to swell up and sometimes burst. Bursting of red blood cell is known as haemolysis. 

MK
Answered by Martha K. Biology tutor

9231 Views

See similar Biology GCSE tutors

Related Biology GCSE answers

All answers ▸

What is the difference between aerobic respiration and anaerobic respiration?


Describe the process by which lipids are 'broken down' by the digestive system, and how bile facilitates this process.


What is the 'lock and key' hypothesis?


What does osmosis mean and what does the movement of water do to cells?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning