Definition

1. Noun:
   • Pathological breakdown of cells by the destruction of their outer membrane: Cytolysis refers to the process where a cell is destroyed or undergoes dissolution, specifically due to the rupture or disintegration of its plasma membrane, leading to the release of its contents.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The immune response can cause cytolysis of infected cells.
  • In the laboratory, researchers observed cytolysis when the cells were exposed to the toxin.
  • Certain diseases are characterized by the cytolysis of red blood cells.

Advanced Usage

• Scientific Context: The term is primarily used in biology, medicine, and pathology to describe a specific mechanism of cellular damage or death.
  • The study focused on the pathway leading to complement-mediated cytolysis.

Variants and Related Words

• Cytolytic (adj): Having the property of causing or relating to cytolysis.
  • The antibody demonstrated a strong cytolytic effect.

Synonyms

• Cellular lysis
• Cell lysis
• Osmotic lysis (a specific type caused by osmotic imbalance)

Antonyms

• Cell integrity
• Homeostasis (maintenance of stable internal conditions within a cell)

Noun

1. pathological breakdown of cells by the destruction of their outer membrane