# A student places a red blood cell into distilled water. Describe and explain what happens to the red blood cell.

> Cambridge International IGCSE Biology (0610) — 3.2 Osmosis · Describe and explain · 4 marks

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. Water moves into the red blood cell by osmosis
2. Water moves from a region of higher water concentration (distilled water) to a region of lower water concentration (inside the cell) across the partially permeable membrane
3. The cell swells / increases in volume
4. The cell bursts / lyses because it has no cell wall to resist the pressure

## Related

- [Revision notes for Cambridge International IGCSE Biology (0610)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Describe and explain" questions](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/tools/command-word-cheatsheet)
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Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/a-student-places-a-red-blood-c604367f) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.