Advertisement
Advertisement
plasmolysis
[ plaz-mol-uh-sis ]
noun
, Botany.
- contraction of the protoplasm in a living cell when water is removed by exosmosis.
plasmolysis
/ plăz-mŏl′ĭ-sĭs /
, Plural plasmolyses plăz-mŏl′ĭ-sēz′
- Shrinkage or contraction of the protoplasm away from the wall of a living plant or bacterial cell, caused by loss of water through osmosis. It results in loss of turgor and, in plants, wilting of the stems and leaves. If too severe, it can be fatal to the cell.
Discover More
Derived Forms
- plasmolytic, adjective
- ˌplasmoˈlytically, adverb
Discover More
Other Words From
- plas·mo·lyt·ic [plaz-m, uh, -, lit, -ik], adjective
- plasmo·lyti·cal·ly adverb
Discover More
Word History and Origins
Origin of plasmolysis1
Discover More
Example Sentences
Sap vacuoles must be distinguished from spores, on the one hand, and the vacuolated appearance due to plasmolysis, on the other.
From Project Gutenberg
It is invisible in the living cell but is evident in plasmolysis.
From Project Gutenberg
A diminution of turgor may, on the other hand, be produced by withdrawal of water through plasmolysis.
From Project Gutenberg
Maceration, freezing and plasmolysis alike yield poor results.
From Project Gutenberg
Advertisement
Word of the Day
[fur-kin ]
Meaning and examplesStart each day with the Word of the Day in your inbox!
By clicking "Sign Up", you are accepting Dictionary.com Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policies.
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Browse