lysis

Definition / meaning of lysis

In biology, lysis refers to the breakdown of a cell caused by damage to its plasma (outer) membrane. It can be caused by chemical or physical means (for example, strong detergents or high-energy sound waves) or by infection with a strain virus that can lyse cells.

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Find More About 'lysis'

Source(s):

The Web site of the National Cancer Institute (http://www.cancer.gov/)

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