Deplasmolysis

Deplasmolysis is the reversal of plasmolysis in plant cells. It occurs when a plasmolysed cell is returned to a dilute solution, typically pure water or a solution with a much lower solute concentration than the cytoplasm. In plasmolysis the plasma membrane detaches from the cell wall as water leaves the cytoplasm and the cytoplasm shrinks away from the wall; deplasmolysis reverses this, with water re-entering the cell by osmosis, the plasma membrane re-adhering to the inner surface of the cell wall, and the cytoplasm expanding to its normal position. The vacuole rehydrates and turgor pressure rises, restoring the cell’s shape.

The process is typically rapid in many plant cells but can vary by species and conditions. Deplasmolysis is possible only if the plasma membrane and cell wall remain intact; if plasmolysis is excessive or prolonged, cytorrhysis or irreversible damage may occur, preventing full recovery and potentially causing cell death. In experimental settings, deplasmolysis is used to illustrate osmotic regulation of plant cells and to study osmotic potential, water relations, and the responsiveness of membranes to osmotic stress.

Difference from plasmolysis: plasmolysis is the process of membrane detachment in hypertonic solutions, while deplasmolysis is the restoration of normal structure when returned to hypotonic conditions.