# Explain why red blood cells would be damaged if placed in a solution with a lower water concentration than the cytoplasm of the cells.

> Edexcel GCSE Biology (1BI0) — 1.5 Transport in cells · Explain · 4 marks

> Red blood cells are specialised cells that lack a cell wall. They are normally found in blood plasma, which has a water concentration very similar to that of the cytoplasm inside the cells.

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. The solution outside has a lower water concentration than inside the red blood cell / water concentration gradient exists
2. Water moves out of the red blood cell by osmosis
3. Water moves through the partially permeable / cell surface membrane
4. The cell shrinks / crenates / loses its normal shape because there is no cell wall to prevent water loss

## Key terms

- [water concentration](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/water-concentration)

## Related

- [Revision notes for Edexcel GCSE Biology (1BI0)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Explain" questions](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/tools/command-word-cheatsheet)
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Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/explain-why-red-blood-cells-would-dd8cf2db) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.