Samples of blood were mixed with different sodium chloride solutions. In one concentration of sodium chloride, the red blood cells were observed to maintain their normal shape. In another concentration of sodium chloride, the red blood cells were observed to swell and burst. The cells which maintained their normal shape were in a state of homeostasis. Which process BEST explains what happened to the red blood cells which swelled and burst and why? (SB1d) *
A. Salt diffused into the red blood cells and the higher concentration of salt caused the red blood cells to burst.
B. Water diffused into the red blood cells by osmosis, and the higher concentration of water caused the red blood cells to burst.
C. Salt was taken into the red blood cells by passive transport, and the higher concentration of salt caused the red blood cells to burst.
D. Water was taken into the red blood cells by active transport, and the higher concentration of water caused the red blood cells to burst.