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If the red blood cells (RBCs) of human blood are isolated and are diluted in normal saline (an isotonic solution to blood), what will happen to the RBCs?

If the red blood cells (RBCs) of human blood are isolated and diluted in normal saline, which is an isotonic solution to blood, the RBCs will remain intact and maintain their normal shape and function.

An isotonic solution has the same concentration of solutes as the cytoplasm of the RBCs. When the RBCs are placed in an isotonic solution like normal saline, there will be no net movement of water across the cell membrane. As a result, the RBCs will neither shrink nor swell, and their osmotic equilibrium will be maintained. The shape of the RBCs, typically biconcave discs, will be preserved, allowing them to continue their vital functions, such as carrying oxygen and carbon dioxide throughout the body.

In summary, diluting RBCs in a normal saline solution, which is isotonic to blood, will not cause any significant changes to the RBCs, and they will remain functional and retain their normal shape.

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