Cytolysis

Definition
noun
(1) Osmotic lysis, i.e. the bursting or rupturing of cell membrane when the cell can no longer contain the excessive inflow of water (or extracellular fluid).
(2) The degeneration or dissolution of cell caused by the disruption of cell membrane.
Supplement
Cytolysis or osmotic lysis occurs in animal cells and certain bacteria, especially when the cells are exposed to a hypotonic environment, causing the water to move into the cell, thereby increasing or expanding the cell. If the cell membrane cannot regulate or hold the excessive influx of water, the cell will eventually burst. Osmotic lysis does not occur in plant cells because of the cell wall that contains the turgor pressure.
Word origin: Greek kutos, hollow vessel + New Latin, from Greek lusis, a loosening.
Related forms: cytolytic (adjective).

Related terms: immune cytolysis.
Synonym: osmotic lysis (1).

Compare: plasmolysis.

See also: osmosis.

Physical Development in Humans

This tutorial elaborates on the physical development of humans, particularly from puberty to adulthood. Read this tutori..

Muscle

Muscle cells are specialized to generate force and movement. Learn about the different types of muscle tissues in this t..

Photosynthesis – Photolysis and Carbon Fixation

Photosynthesis is the process that plants undertake to create organic materials from carbon dioxide and water, with the ..

Chromosome Mutations

Mutations can also influence the phenotype of an organism. This tutorial looks at the effects of chromosomal mutations, ..

ATP & ADP – Biological Energy

ATP is the energy source that is typically used by an organism in its daily activities. The name is based on its structu..

Freshwater Communities & Lentic Waters

Lentic or still water communities can vary greatly in appearance -- from a small temporary puddle to a large lake. The s..