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.

Still Water Community Plants

This tutorial looks at the adaptations of freshwater plants for them to thrive in still water habitats. Familiarize your..

Birth Control and Contraception

Different pregnancy and birth control and contraception strategies are described. Read this tutorial to learn each of th..

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..

The Gene Pool and Population Genetics

According to Charles Darwin's theory of natural selection, preferable genes are favored by nature in the gene pool, and ..

Population Growth and Survivorship

This lesson looks at population attributes, regulation, and growth. It also covers population genetics, particularly gen..

Origins of Life on Earth

Earth was created around 4.5 billion years ago and life began not long after. Primitive life likely possessed the elemen..