Definition

The process where the protoplasm of a cell shrinks away from its cell wall due to loss of water, often occurring in plant cells when they lose water through osmosis.

Example

During the experiment, we observed plasmolysis in the plant cells when they were placed in a salt solution.

Conversation

Have you ever heard of plasmolysis?

Yeah, I remember learning about it in biology class.

It's so interesting how cells can shrink like that when they lose water.

Definitely, it really shows how important water is for plant health!

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Plasmolysis → It is formed from "plasma" (from Greek "plasma", meaning something molded or formed) and "lysis" (from Greek "lysis", meaning a loosening or breaking down). The term describes the process of the cell's cytoplasm shrinking away from the cell wall due to loss of water, effectively breaking down the cell's structure.

Memory Tip

Think of 'plasma' as the fluid part of the cell that is 'loosening' or 'breaking down' ('lysis') when it loses water, which helps you remember that plasmolysis refers to the shrinking of the cell's contents.

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