Lysismetoder

Lysismetoder is a term used in biological literature to describe methods for lysing cells to release intracellular contents. The term encompasses chemical, enzymatic, physical, and combined approaches used to disrupt cellular membranes and walls in bacteria, yeast, plants, and animal cells. The choice of method depends on the organism, the target molecule, and the required integrity of biomolecules.

The word combines lysis (dissolution or breakdown of a cell) with metod(er) (methods). It is used primarily in Scandinavian and European contexts to distinguish these techniques from other sample preparation steps.

Common chemical methods use detergents such as SDS or Triton X-100, salts, or chaotropes to solubilize membranes. Enzymatic approaches employ lysozyme to weaken bacterial walls or zymolyase to break down fungal cell walls. Physical methods include sonication, French press, bead beating, and freeze–thaw cycles. Often, a combination of methods yields higher efficiency.

Applications and considerations: Lysismetoder are used to obtain DNA, RNA, proteins, or metabolites from cells. They vary in yield and biomolecule integrity; aggressive methods can shear nucleic acids or denature proteins. The choice of method depends on sample type, downstream analyses, scale, and safety considerations, as some reagents are hazardous and require proper handling.

Related topics include cell disruption, DNA extraction, protein purification, and metabolite analysis.