What is the effect of a hypotonic solution on red blood cells?

A hypotonic solution has a lower concentration of solutes compared to the interior of red blood cells. When red blood cells are placed in such a solution, water moves into the cells through osmosis to balance the solute concentrations. As water enters, the cells swell due to the influx of fluid. If the concentration difference is significant, the cells can continue to take in water until they become so enlarged that they may eventually burst, a process known as hemolysis. Therefore, the swelling of red blood cells in a hypotonic solution is a key characteristic of osmotic behavior, highlighting the concept of how cellular environments affect cell shape and viability.