Final answer:
In a hypotonic solution, a cell would swell due to water gain. The cell would shrink in a hypertonic solution and remain the same size in an isotonic solution.
Step-by-step explanation:
In a hypotonic solution, a cell would swell due to water gain. The increased concentration of solutes inside the cell compared to the surrounding solution causes water to move into the cell in an attempt to balance the concentration. This influx of water causes the cell to swell.
In contrast, a cell placed in a hypertonic solution would shrink as water flows out of the cell and into the surrounding environment. In isotonic solution, where the concentration of solutes is the same inside and outside the cell, the cell would remain the same size as water moves into and out of the cell at the same rate.