Final answer:
If a red blood cell is placed in a hypotonic solution, it will go through hemolysis due to water rushing in and causing it to swell and burst. In a hypertonic environment, the cell will undergo crenation as water exits the cell. In isotonic conditions, red blood cells maintain their shape and function properly.
Step-by-step explanation:
When a red blood cell is placed in a hypotonic solution, it will swell and may burst due to excessive water flowing into the cell. This process is known as hemolysis. In contrast, in a hypertonic solution, where the concentration of solutes is greater outside the cell than inside, water will leave the red blood cell causing it to shrink and undergo crenation. However, when in an isotonic solution, where the solute concentration is equal both inside and outside, red blood cells will function properly without undergoing crenation or hemolysis. Conditions like sickle-cell disease, lupus erythematosus, and transfusion reactions can lead to hemolysis beyond natural osmotic effects.