How Do You Spell PLASMOLYTIC?

Pronunciation: [plˌazməlˈɪtɪk] (IPA)

The word "plasmolytic" is spelled with five syllables: /plæzˈmɒlɪtɪk/. The first syllable "plas" is pronounced like "plaz" and refers to the cytoplasm of a cell. The second syllable "mo" is pronounced like "maw" and means reduce or shrink. The third syllable "ly" is pronounced like "lee" and indicates the adjectival form. The fourth syllable "tic" is pronounced like "tik" and indicates that the word refers to a property or process. Therefore, "plasmolytic" refers to the process of shrinking or reducing the cytoplasm of a cell.

PLASMOLYTIC Meaning and Definition

1. Plasmolytic is an adjective used to describe the process or condition of plasmolysis. Plasmolysis refers to the shrinking or contraction of the cytoplasm of a cell due to the loss of water, often resulting from exposure to a hypertonic or concentrated solution. The plasmolytic process occurs when water moves out of a cell through osmosis, causing the cytoplasm to separate from the cell wall and shrink. This phenomenon is common in plant cells.

   The plasmolytic process can be observed when a plant cell is exposed to a solution with a higher solute concentration than its own cytoplasm. As water is drawn out of the cell, the protoplasm becomes dehydrated, causing the cell to lose its turgidity and become flaccid. The plasmolytic condition can be reversible if water is reintroduced into the cell, allowing the protoplasm to regain its original state.

   Plasmolysis is often utilized in scientific research to study the properties and behavior of cells under different conditions. It is a valuable technique for understanding the osmotic properties of plant cells and their response to external environments. The term "plasmolytic" is also used to describe any substances, treatments, or conditions that induce plasmolysis.

2. Relating to plasmolysis.

   A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.

Common Misspellings for PLASMOLYTIC

• iasolytic
• plasmolytik
• plasmolytick
• plasmoliytik
• plasmalolytic
• Plasmolyize

Etymology of PLASMOLYTIC

The word "plasmolytic" is derived from the combination of two Greek roots: "plasmo" and "lysis".

1. "Plasmo" is derived from the Greek word "plasma", which means "something molded or formed". This root is often used in a biological context to refer to the fluid portion of the cell, excluding the nucleus.

2. "Lysis" comes from the Greek word "lysis", which means "a loosening or dissolving". In biology, it refers to the destruction or breakdown of a cell or a substance.

When these two roots are combined, "plasmolytic" describes something related to the process of causing or undergoing plasmolysis, which is the shrinking or contraction of the protoplasm in a cell due to the loss of water by osmosis.