Dictionary > Lysis

Lysis

Definition
noun
(cytology)
The disintegration or rupture of the cell membrane, resulting in the release of cell contents or the subsequent death of the cell.
(medicine)
The gradual recovery or recuperation from an acute disease.
(suffix: –lysis)
Decomposition, breakdown or disintegration.
Supplement
(cytology) Lysis occurs as a result of viral or osmotic mechanisms that compromise the integrity of the cell membrane.
Word origin: from Greek λύσις, lysis from lyein = to separate.
Related forms: lyse (verb), lytic (adjective).

Derived terms: cytolysis, dermatolysis, haemodialysis, haemolysis, enzymolysis, hydrolysis.

Last updated on July 23rd, 2021

You will also like...

Sugar Homeostasis
Sugar Homeostasis

The blood sugar level is regulated by two hormones. The mechanism behind this type of negative feedback control is descr..

Transpiration
Water in Plants

The movement of molecules (specifically, water and solutes) is vital to the understanding of plant processes. This tuto..

Angle Oak Tree
Seed Plants

Seed plants are vascular plants. They differ from the other vascular plants in producing seeds that germinate into a new..

Lentic community
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..

Fossil trilobite imprint in the sediment
Insects

There are more species of insects than any other species combined. This surely illustrates that insects have the selecti..

Young plant growing from the soil.
Soils

Nutrients in the soil are essential to the proper growth of a land plant. This tutorial deals with the properties of soi..