It depends on the concentration of salt in the water!
* Isotonic Solution: If the salt water has the same concentration of salt as the inside of the red blood cells (approximately 0.9% saline), it's considered isotonic. This is the ideal situation. The blood cells will remain normal in size and shape.
* Hypotonic Solution: If the salt water is less concentrated than the inside of the blood cells (meaning there's less salt), it's considered hypotonic. Here's what happens:
* Water will move into the red blood cells. This is because water naturally moves from areas of high concentration (outside the cell) to areas of low concentration (inside the cell) to try and balance things out.
* The red blood cells will swell and potentially burst (lyse).
* Hypertonic Solution: If the salt water is more concentrated than the inside of the blood cells (meaning there's more salt), it's considered hypertonic. Here's what happens:
* Water will move out of the red blood cells. This is because water moves from areas of high concentration (inside the cell) to areas of low concentration (outside the cell) to try and balance things out.
* The red blood cells will shrink and shrivel. This is called crenation.
In summary:
* Isotonic: Normal cells
* Hypotonic: Cells swell and may lyse
* Hypertonic: Cells shrink and crenate
Important Note: Human blood cells are very sensitive to changes in salt concentration. Even small deviations from the isotonic environment can have significant consequences.
