The effect of varying strengths of saline on RBCs

 

Isotonic Solution:


Solution having osmolarity same as that of plasma is known as an Isotonic Solution.
Eg: 0.9% NaCl, 5% Glucose, 10% Urea, 20% Mannitol

RBCs when put into isotonic solution, no change in size takes place.

Hypotonic Solution:


Solution having osmolarity less than that of plasma is known as Hypotonic Solution.
Eg: 0.6% NaCl

RBCs when put into hypotonic solution, endosmosis takes place, that is RBCs enlarge & finally bursts. A burst cell is known as ‘Ghost Cell’.

Hypertonic Solution:


Solution having osmolarity greater than that of plasma is known as Hypertonic Solution.
Eg:


RBCs when put into hypertonic solution, exosmosis takes place, that is RBCs shrunk and become Creanted RBCs. This phenomenon is known as ‘Crenation’.


Picture Source: chemistry.about.com

Apparatus Required:

Microscope
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