Lyysis

Lyysis is a term that can refer to several concepts, primarily in the fields of chemistry and biology. In chemistry, lyysis, often spelled lysis, denotes a process of breaking down or decomposing a substance. This breakdown can occur through various mechanisms, including chemical reactions, physical forces, or the action of specific agents. For example, hydrolysis is a type of lyysis where water molecules are used to break chemical bonds within a compound. Photolysis involves the use of light energy to break down molecules.

In biology, lyysis is most commonly associated with the breakdown of cells. Cell lysis occurs when the cell membrane or cell wall ruptures, leading to the release of the cell's contents. This can be a natural process, such as when a virus infects a cell and hijacks its machinery, ultimately causing the cell to burst. It can also be induced artificially in laboratory settings for research purposes, for instance, to extract intracellular components like proteins or DNA. Bacteriolysis specifically refers to the lysis of bacterial cells, often mediated by enzymes like lysozyme or by the action of bacteriophages. The term can also be used more broadly to describe the dissolution or disintegration of any structure.