Final answer:
When body cells are placed in a solution with a different osmotic pressure than the cytosol, water will flow based on the relative concentration of solutes, which can cause cells to shrink or swell.
Step-by-step explanation:
Osmosis is the process by which water molecules move from an area of lower solute concentration to an area of higher solute concentration through a semipermeable membrane.
When body cells are placed in a solution with a different osmotic pressure than the cytosol, the direction of water flow will depend on the relative concentration of solutes in the solution compared to the cytosol.
If the solution has a higher osmotic pressure than the cytosol, water will flow out of the cells, causing them to shrink and become deformed. If the solution has a lower osmotic pressure than the cytosol, water will flow into the cells, causing them to swell and potentially burst.