noun
- the destruction or dissolution of a cell, especially by rupture of the cell membrane.
Usage: biology, medicine
Examples
- Cytolysis occurs when a cell is placed in a hypotonic solution and water enters the cell.
- The antibiotic works by causing cytolysis in bacterial cells.
- Red blood cells undergo cytolysis when exposed to distilled water.
- Osmotic pressure can lead to cytolysis if the cell membrane cannot withstand the stress.
- Scientists studied cytolysis to understand how certain toxins damage cell membranes.