Lysis

Lysis is a process in biology where a cell breaks down, often by viral, enzymic, or osmotic mechanisms that compromise its integrity. A fluid containing the contents of lysed cells is called a "lysate".

Types of Lysis

There are several types of lysis, including:

• Osmotic lysis: occurs when a cell bursts due to an osmotic imbalance that has caused excess water to move into the cell.
• Cytolysis: occurs when a cell bursts due to chemical reaction.
• Oncolysis: refers to the destruction of neoplastic cells or of a tumour.
• Plasmolysis: is the contraction of cells within plants due to the loss of water through osmosis.
• Autolysis: is the destruction of cells through the action of their own enzymes.
• Apoptosis: is a form of programmed cell death or "cell suicide".
• Necrosis: is the death of cells or tissues from severe injury or disease, especially in a localized area of the body. Causes of necrosis include inadequate blood supply, bacterial infection, traumatic injury, and cancer.

Lysis in Pathology

In pathology, lysis refers to the breakdown of cells or tissues caused by disease. For example, hemolysis is the breakdown of red blood cells.

Lysis in Virology

In virology, lysis refers to the process by which a virus breaks open a cell and reproduces itself. This is known as viral lysis.

Lysis in Biochemistry

In biochemistry, lysis refers to the breaking down of a molecule or compound into smaller parts.

See Also

• Lysosome
• Lysogenic cycle
• Lytic cycle

References

Lysis Resources
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