What happens to red blood cells when placed in a hypertonic solution?

When red blood cells are placed in a hypertonic solution, water moves out of the cells and into the surrounding solution. This occurs because the concentration of solutes in the hypertonic solution is higher than that inside the red blood cells. As water exits the cells, the cells lose volume and begin to shrink. This process is called crenation.

In comparison, if red blood cells were placed in a hypotonic solution, they would absorb water and potentially burst due to the higher concentration of solutes inside the cells compared to the outside solution. If they were in an isotonic solution, their size would remain relatively stable because the solute concentrations are balanced on both sides of the cell membrane.

Understanding cell behavior in different tonicity environments is crucial for medical professionals, particularly in settings such as patient care, where fluid balance is vital for patient health.