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

Related Biology GCSE answers

All answers ▸

What are the main components of animal cells and plant cells?


Inheritance and Genetics: Explain the offspring genotypes and phenotypes when two heterozygous individuals reproduce.


Describe two differences and two similarities between animal cells and plant cells.


Explain why your genes might influence how drugs work in the body. (3)