Effects of osmosis on animal cell e.g. Red blood cell
A solution of 0.9% sodium chloride is isotonic with human cells, and if red blood cells are immersed in isotonic solution, they will neither swell nor shrink. When placed in hypotonic solution, red blood cells swell and burst or hemolyze or undergo hemolysis.
On the other hand, a red blood cell immersed in a hypertonic solution will shrink and plasma membrane crinkles. This is known as crenation.
It follows that if a cell is to maintain its normal size and shape, it must exist permanently in an isotonic solution or failing that, it must have special mechanism enabling it to survive in a hypertonic or isotonic solution. This special mechanism is called osmoregulation. For example, freshwater Amoeba would undoubtedly swell up and burst, just like a red blood cell in water were it not for a contractile vacuole that expels excess water from the body.
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Dr. Bbosa Science
