Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
plasmolysis
noun
/plazˈmɒlɪsɪs/
Definition
Plasmolysis is the process in which cells lose water in a hypertonic solution, causing the cell membrane to pull away from the cell wall.
Examples
- Plasmolysis occurs when plant cells are placed in a highly concentrated salt solution.
- When subjected to dry conditions, the cells experienced significant plasmolysis.
Meaning
It refers to the contraction of the protoplast of a plant cell as a result of loss of water from the cell.
Synonyms
- Cell shrinkage
- Protoplast contraction
- Osmotic shrinkage
