Question

The osmolarity of physiological saline solution is 0.30 osmol/L.Assuming that the cell membrane is not permeable to its ions, is a 0.185 M aqueous solution of sodium sulfate, Na2SO4, hypertonic, hypotonic or isotonic to red blood cells? If normal red blood cells were suspended in this Na2SO4 solution, what would be the expected outcome?

Answer 1

Answer:

This question have two parts.

Question 1. Is a 0.185 M aqueous solution of sodium sulfate, Na2SO4, hypertonic, hypotonic or isotonic to red blood cells?

Answer:

Hypotonic because sodium sulfate is a detergent which can cross the lipid bi-layer.

Question 2. If normal red blood cells were suspended in this Na2SO4 solution, what would be the expected outcome?

Answer:

Hemolysis (Bursting of Red blood cells) will occur due to excessive movement of water inside the cell resulting from sodium sulfate solution.

if you are interested to know more according to scientist read this research paper.

Ann N Y Acad Sci. 2005 Jun;1048:451-2.