ERYTHROLYSIN Meaning and
Definition
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Erythrolysin is a noun that refers to a class of toxic proteins or enzymes characterized by their ability to cause the destruction or lysis of red blood cells. It derives from the combination of the prefix "erythro-" meaning red, and "lysin" referring to a substance that causes lysis or destruction.
Erythrolysin is typically produced by certain bacteria, particularly those of the Streptococcus genus. These bacteria can secrete erythrolysin as a virulence factor, aiding their ability to colonize and infect a host organism. Once released into the bloodstream, erythrolysin attacks and breaks down the cell membranes of red blood cells, leading to their destruction and the release of their contents into the surrounding fluid.
The breakdown of red blood cells caused by erythrolysin can have various detrimental effects on the host organism. It can result in hemolysis, the excessive breakdown of red blood cells, leading to anemia. This can impair oxygen delivery to tissues and cause symptoms such as fatigue, shortness of breath, and pale skin.
Furthermore, the release of hemoglobin from lysed red blood cells can overload the liver's ability to process it, resulting in the accumulation of bilirubin and potentially causing jaundice. Erythrolysin-induced hemolysis can also trigger an immune response, leading to the activation of inflammatory pathways and potential complications.
In conclusion, erythrolysin is a protein or enzyme capable of causing the destruction of red blood cells, typically produced by certain bacteria. Its action can lead to anemia, jaundice, and inflammation-related complications.
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Erythrocytolysin, hemolysin.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for ERYTHROLYSIN
- wrythrolysin
- srythrolysin
- drythrolysin
- rrythrolysin
- 4rythrolysin
- 3rythrolysin
- eeythrolysin
- edythrolysin
- efythrolysin
- etythrolysin
- e5ythrolysin
- e4ythrolysin
- ertthrolysin
- ergthrolysin
- erhthrolysin
- eruthrolysin
- er7throlysin
- er6throlysin
- eryrhrolysin
Etymology of ERYTHROLYSIN
The word "erythrolysin" is derived from two components: "erythro-" and "-lysin".
1. "Erythro-" is a combining form that is derived from the Greek word "erythros", meaning "red". It is commonly used to refer to red blood cells in various scientific terms (e.g., erythrocyte referring to red blood cell).
2. "-lysin" is a suffix derived from the Greek word "lysis", which means "loosening" or "dissolution". In scientific terminology, "-lysin" is often used to denote substances or enzymes capable of causing the dissolution or destruction of a particular type of cell.
Putting it together, "erythrolysin" refers to a substance or enzyme that causes the lysis or destruction of red blood cells.
Similar spelling words for ERYTHROLYSIN
- erythrocebus,
- erythrocyte,
- erythroxylum,
- erythromycin,
- erythrocin,
- erythroid,
- erythropoietin,
- erythroderma,
- erythrina,
- erythropoiesis,
- erythroblast,
- erythronium,
- erythroxylon.
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