Final answer:
In a hypertonic solution, a red blood cell is expected to crenate, which means it will shrivel and shrink due to the loss of water from the cell.
Step-by-step explanation:
A red blood cell placed in a hypertonic solution would be expected to crenate. This occurs because water will flow out of the cell into the surrounding environment due to higher solute concentrations outside the cell, causing the cell to shrink and shrivel.
When placed in a hypertonic environment, cells without a cell wall, like red blood cells, lose water, shrivel, and may die due to the process of crenation.
It's important to note that in an isotonic solution, red blood cells maintain their normal shape, whereas in a hypotonic solution, they can swell and potentially burst, a condition known as hemolysis.