Final answer:
In osmosis, red blood cells burst through a process called hemolysis when placed in a hypotonic solution, and they shrink, or crenate, in a hypertonic solution.
Step-by-step explanation:
With respect to changes in red blood cell volume associated with osmosis, to burst is to undergo hemolysis, and to shrink is to undergo crenation.
When red blood cells are placed in a hypotonic solution, such as distilled water, they swell because the osmotic pressure drives more water to flow into the cell than flows out. The result is hemolysis, which is the bursting of cells. Conversely, if red blood cells are placed in a hypertonic solution, such as a concentrated salt solution, water will flow out of the cell more than it flows in, causing the cells to shrink or undergo crenation. This shrinkage can interfere with the cell's functions and may lead to cell death.
For instance, if red blood cells are placed in an environment of pure water, they will likely swell and undergo hemolysis due to the lack of osmoregulatory mechanisms that other cells might have. This makes red blood cells particularly useful for studies in osmolarity.