plasmolysis The loss of water by osmosis from a plant cell to the extent that the cytoplasm shrinks away from the cell wall. This happens when the cell is placed in a solution that has a higher solute concentration than that of the cell sap, i.e. it has a lower (more negative) water potential, since water always moves from an area of high water potential to an area of low water potential. Compare turgor.

plasmolysis The result of placing plant cells in a hypertonic solution (e.g. about 10 per cent sugar solution) so that water is drawn out of the cell. The cytoplasm shrinks and the cell membrane is pulled away from the cell wall.