1) Isotonic solutions have the same osmotic pressure as body fluids like blood and prevent cell shrinkage or swelling when in contact with tissues. Physiological saline (0.9% NaCl solution) is isotonic with blood.
2) Hypertonic solutions have a higher osmotic pressure than body fluids, causing cell shrinkage through osmosis. Hypotonic solutions have a lower osmotic pressure, causing cell swelling through osmosis.
3) The tonicity of solutions can be determined using the haemolytic or colligative property methods. The haemolytic method observes cell changes, while the colligative method calculates tonicity based on properties like freezing point depression.