Biology

The best statement to describe the role of the cell membrane in this model is: D.The cell membrane allows water to enter and leave the cell.

Explanation:

The process demonstrated here is osmosis, the movement of water across a semi-permeable membrane in response to differences in solute concentrations. Here's how the red blood cells behave in each solution:

1.5% vinegar solution: This solution likely has a higher concentration of solutes (acetic acid, vinegar) compared to the inside of the red blood cell. Water will move into the cell, causing it to swell (or "expand"). The cell membrane allows water to enter, which causes the cell to increase in size.

2.Pure water: Pure water is hypotonic to the red blood cell (it has no solutes). Water will move into the cell to balance the concentration, causing the red blood cell to swell and potentially burst (hemolysis). The cell membrane allows water to enter the cell.

3.Corn syrup solution: This is hyperton...