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.
Dictionary > Lysis
You will also like...
![Neural Control Mechanisms](https://www.biologyonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Neural-Control-Mechanisms-300x152.jpg)
Neural Control Mechanisms
Neurons generate electric signals that they pass along to the other neurons or target tissues. In this tutorial, you wil..
![Energy pyramid](https://www.biologyonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Freshwater-Community-Energy-Relationships-Producers-Consumers-168x168.jpg)
Freshwater Community Energy Relationships – Producers & Consumers
This tutorial looks at the relationship between organisms. It also explores how energy is passed on in the food chain an..
![Nephrolepis exaltata](https://www.biologyonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Vascular-plants-ferns-and-relatives-252x168.jpg)
Vascular Plants: Ferns and Relatives
Ferns and their relatives are vascular plants, meaning they have xylem and phloem tissues. Because of the presence of va..
![Hominid](https://www.biologyonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/The-Hominids-300x168.jpg)
The Hominids
The hominid family diversified from the apes around 6 to 8 million years ago. Since then, the evolutionary path has prov..
![Ecological Research Measuring & Analysis](https://www.biologyonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Ecological-Research-Measuring-Analysis-300x168.jpg)
Ecological Research: Measuring & Analysis
This lesson is about the methods used for ecological research, such as quadrat and transect sampling, canopy fogging, an..
![Freshwater Ecology](https://www.biologyonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Freshwater-Ecology-300x168.jpg)
Freshwater Ecology
Freshwater ecology focuses on the relations of aquatic organisms to their freshwater habitats. There are two forms of co..