Plasmolysis

Plasmolysis is a process that occurs when cells are exposed to a high concentration of solute outside their cellular membrane, leading to the loss of water through osmosis. This results in the shrinkage of the cell's cytoplasm, a process known as cytorrhysis. Plasmolysis is primarily observed in plant cells.

Process

The process of plasmolysis involves the movement of water out of the cell when placed in a hypertonic solution. This causes the cell membrane to pull away from the cell wall, a condition known as incipient plasmolysis. Continued water loss leads to the complete retraction of the cell membrane from the cell wall, resulting in flaccid cells.

Effects

The effects of plasmolysis are largely detrimental to the cell. It can lead to cell death if the process is not reversed or halted. However, some cells can survive and continue to function, albeit at a reduced capacity, even after plasmolysis has occurred.

Reversal

The process of plasmolysis can be reversed by placing the cell in a hypotonic solution, which will cause water to move back into the cell through osmosis. This process is known as deplasmolysis.

See also

• Osmosis
• Turgor pressure
• Cell wall
• Cell membrane

References

Plasmolysis Resources
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