lysis

views updated Jun 27 2018

ly·sis / ˈlīsis/ • n. 1. Biol. the disintegration of a cell by rupture of the cell wall or membrane.2. the gradual decline of disease symptoms.ORIGIN: early 19th cent.: from Latin, from Greek lusis ‘loosening,’ from luein ‘loosen.’

The Oxford Pocket Dictionary of Current English

lysis

views updated May 14 2018

lysis The destruction of a living cell. This may be effected by lysosomes or lymphocytes, either as part of the normal metabolic process (as when cells are damaged or worn out) or as a reaction against invading cells (e.g. bacteria). Bacteriophages eventually cause lysis of their host cells.

A Dictionary of Biology

lysis

views updated Jun 11 2018

lysis (ly-sis) n.
1. the destruction of cells through damage or rupture of the plasma membrane, allowing escape of the cell contents. See also autolysis, lysozyme.

2. gradual remission of the symptoms of a disease.
—lytic adj.

A Dictionary of Nursing

lysis

views updated Jun 11 2018

lysis See LYTIC RESPONSE.

A Dictionary of Plant Sciences MICHAEL ALLABY

lysis

views updated May 23 2018

lysis See lytic response.

A Dictionary of Ecology MICHAEL ALLABY

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