plasmolysis

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "plasmolysis" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in biological contexts to describe the process where cells lose water in a hypertonic solution, leading to the contraction of the cell membrane away from the cell wall. Example: "In plant cells, plasmolysis occurs when they are placed in a salt solution, causing the cell membrane to pull away from the cell wall."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

GFP fluorescence images before (−Sucrose) and after plasmolysis (+Sucrose) are shown.

Rice

After plasmolysis, the GFP signal was observed to localize on the plasma membrane (Fig. 6b).

Rice

Plasmolysis of protoplasts revealed a space between the labelling and the cell wall (arrows, lower left).

Rice

The kinetics of CO formation by CO2 plasmolysis is studied and analysed in detail.

Fuel

The two obvious alterations were plasmolysis and an increase in the number of starch grains.

Carbon

The appearance of plasmolysis permitted the evaluation of the water status of cells.

Advances in Space Research

Various cell damages were noticeable, e.g., plasmolysis, intracellular vacuoles ghost, cell debris, and nucleoid condensation [113, 114].

Nanoscale Research Letters

A detailed analysis was done to find out the major steps influencing the overall kinetics of water vapour plasmolysis.

International Journal of Hydrogen Energy

The treated cells showed a decrease in size and irregular shape; loss of cytoplasm and light staining; plasmolysis; and appearance of bubbles [Fig. 5a (iii)].

AMB Express

For propidium iodide staining, roots were stained for 5 min, and then transferred into a 500 mM mannitol solution for plasmolysis before observation.

Rice

After 4 h photocatalysis by all three protocols, the cells were disrupted to various degrees, showing damage features such as plasmolysis and ghosting of the intracellular vacuoles.

AMB Express

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing experiments involving "plasmolysis", clearly state the osmoticum used to induce it (e.g., mannitol, NaCl) and its concentration.

Common error

Avoid assuming that "plasmolysis" automatically indicates cell death. While it can be a sign of severe stress, cells can sometimes recover from plasmolysis if the osmotic conditions are reversed promptly.

Linguistic Context

The term "plasmolysis" functions primarily as a noun, referring to the biological process itself. It is used to describe the shrinking of the protoplasm away from the cell wall due to water loss, as seen in the examples provided by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

100%

Less common in

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "plasmolysis" is a noun that describes the shrinking of a plant cell's protoplasm due to water loss in a hypertonic environment. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in English, predominantly within scientific contexts. It's important to use precise language when describing experiments involving "plasmolysis", and to avoid confusing it with cell death, as cells can sometimes recover from this condition. Related terms include "cytoplasmic shrinkage" and "cellular dehydration". Its technical nature dictates a formal and scientific register, as reflected in its prevalence across scientific journals and academic research.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cytoplasmic shrinkage

Focuses specifically on the cytoplasm's volume reduction, a key aspect of plasmolysis.

plasmatic retraction

A more specific term for the contraction of the protoplasm, similar to cytoplasmic shrinkage.

cell membrane retraction

Describes the visible effect of plasmolysis: the plasma membrane pulling away from the cell wall.

cellular dehydration

Highlights the loss of water from the cell, leading to plasmolysis.

loss of turgor pressure

Highlights the reduction in pressure within the cell that causes plasmolysis.

protoplast contraction

Emphasizes the shrinking of the protoplast within the cell.

osmotic stress response

Refers to the cell's reaction to changes in osmotic pressure, often resulting in plasmolysis.

hypertonic response

Describes cellular changes because of its exposure to hypertonic solutions.

water loss in cells

A more general term describing the underlying cause of plasmolysis.

cellular crenation

Describes the shrinking of cells, particularly red blood cells, in a hypertonic environment.

FAQs

How is "plasmolysis" typically induced in plant cells?

Plasmolysis is usually induced by placing plant cells in a hypertonic solution, such as a concentrated salt or sugar solution. This causes water to move out of the cell, leading to the cell membrane pulling away from the cell wall.

What are the visual indicators of "plasmolysis" under a microscope?

Under a microscope, plasmolysis is visible as the protoplast shrinking and pulling away from the cell wall. The space between the cell wall and the contracted protoplast becomes more apparent.

Can cells recover from "plasmolysis", and under what conditions?

Yes, cells can sometimes recover from plasmolysis if they are quickly transferred to a hypotonic solution. This allows water to re-enter the cell, restoring turgor pressure. This process is known as deplasmolysis.

Is "plasmolysis" the same as cytolysis or cellular lysis?

No, plasmolysis is different from cytolysis. Plasmolysis refers to the shrinking of the protoplast due to water loss, while cytolysis involves the bursting of a cell due to excessive water intake. Cytolysis typically occurs in hypotonic environments, opposite to the hypertonic conditions that cause plasmolysis.