Final answer:
Red blood cells can be classified as hypotonic, hypertonic, or isotonic. In a hypertonic solution, the cell shrinks. In an isotonic solution, the cell retains its shape. In a hypotonic solution, the cell swells and may rupture.
Step-by-step explanation:
In various solutions, red blood cells can be classified as either hypotonic, hypertonic, or isotonic. In a hypertonic solution, the red blood cell will shrink as water flows out of the cell. In an isotonic solution, the cell retains its normal shape as the amount of water entering and leaving the cell is the same. In a hypotonic solution, the cell will swell and potentially rupture as water rushes into the cell. This is known as hemolysis.