BACTERIOLYSIS Meaning and
Definition
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Bacteriolysis is a term used in microbiology to describe the process of destruction, dissolution, or disintegration of bacterial cells. It refers to the breakdown of the cell wall and membrane of bacteria, leading to cell death and subsequent release of cellular contents into the surrounding environment.
This phenomenon is often brought about by the action of certain substances or agents known as bacteriolytic agents. Bacteriolytic agents can include various enzymes called bacteriolytic enzymes, such as lysozyme, which are capable of breaking down the peptidoglycan layer in the bacterial cell wall. They can also be chemicals or other types of antimicrobial agents that disrupt the integrity of the bacterial cell membrane, causing it to rupture.
Bacteriolysis has significant implications in the field of medicine, particularly in the treatment of bacterial infections. Antibiotics such as penicillin and cephalosporins, for example, exert their bactericidal effects by inducing bacteriolysis. By targeting the cell wall synthesis or integrity of bacteria, these drugs provoke bacterial cell death and aid in the eradication of the infectious organisms.
Moreover, bacteriolysis also plays a crucial role in the immune response of vertebrates. Certain immune cells, such as macrophages, can undergo phagocytosis to engulf and destroy bacteria. This process involves the internalization of the bacterium, followed by bacteriolysis through the release of antimicrobial compounds within the phagolysosome, ensuring the elimination of the pathogenic bacteria.
In summary, bacteriolysis refers to the process of breaking down bacterial cells, involving the destruction of the cell wall and membrane. It has important implications in medicine, particularly in the treatment of infections, as well as in innate immune responses against bacterial pathogens.
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The destruction of bacteria by means usually of a specific antibody.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for BACTERIOLYSIS
- vacteriolysis
- nacteriolysis
- hacteriolysis
- gacteriolysis
- bzcteriolysis
- bscteriolysis
- bwcteriolysis
- bqcteriolysis
- baxteriolysis
- bavteriolysis
- bafteriolysis
- badteriolysis
- bacreriolysis
- bacferiolysis
- bacgeriolysis
- bacyeriolysis
- bac6eriolysis
- bac5eriolysis
- bactwriolysis
Etymology of BACTERIOLYSIS
The word "bacteriolysis" is derived from two Greek roots: "bacterio" and "lysis".
1. "Bacterio" comes from the Greek word "baktērion", which means "small staff" or "rod". It is commonly used to refer to bacteria.
2. "Lysis" stems from the Greek word "lýsis", meaning "loosening" or "dissolution".
Combining these roots, "bacteriolysis" literally means the "dissolution or destruction of bacteria". It is a term used in microbiology to describe the process by which bacterial cells are destroyed or disintegrated.
Similar spelling words for BACTERIOLYSIS
- bacteriology,
- bacteriologist,
- pictorialises,
- bacteriophagic,
- pictorializes,
- bacteriaemia,
- bacterially,
- bacteria species,
- bacteriologic,
- bacteria order,
- bacteroides,
- bacteriemia,
- bacteria bed,
- bacterioid,
- Bacteriolyses,
- bacteriophage,
- bacteriostasis,
- bacteria genus,
- bacteriostatic,
- bacteria family,
- bacteriological,
- bacteriophagous,
- bacteriolytic,
- bacteriacide,
- bacterial toxin,
- bactericide,
- bacteriostat,
- bactericidal,
- bacterioidal,
- bacteroidal.
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