The word "plasmolyzability" refers to the ability of plant cells to undergo plasmolysis, a process where the cell membrane pulls away from the cell wall due to water loss. The pronunciation of "plasmolyzability" can be broken down using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) as /ˌplæzməˌlaɪzəˈbɪlɪti/. The first syllable "plasmo" is pronounced as /ˈplæzməʊ/ and refers to the plasma membrane of the plant cell. The second syllable "lyza" is pronounced as /ˈlaɪzə/ and comes from the Greek word "lysis" meaning "to loosen". The suffix "ability" is pronounced as /əˈbɪlɪti/ and indicates the capacity or capability of a given entity.
Plasmolyzability is a term used in biology to describe the ability of a cell or tissue to undergo plasmolysis. Plasmolysis is a process in which a cell loses water due to a hypertonic external environment, leading to the shrinking and detachment of the cell membrane from the cell wall. Plasmolyzability refers to the degree or extent to which a cell can undergo this process.
The plasmolyzability of a cell or tissue is dependent on several factors, including the composition and concentration of solutes present in the external environment, as well as the permeability of the cell membrane. A cell or tissue with high plasmolyzability is more susceptible to plasmolysis, whereas a cell or tissue with low plasmolyzability is more resistant to this process.
The concept of plasmolyzability is particularly relevant in plant biology, where water regulation and osmotic balance play critical roles in cellular functions. It is commonly studied in plant cells, such as those found in leaves, roots, and stems, which are exposed to varying environmental conditions and osmotic pressures. Assessing the plasmolyzability of plant cells can provide insights into their ability to maintain water balance, adapt to changing environmental conditions, and withstand osmotic stress.
In summary, plasmolyzability is the measure of a cell or tissue's susceptibility to undergo plasmolysis, reflecting its ability to regulate water balance and respond to osmotic changes in the external environment.
Capable of undergoing plasmolysis under certain conditions, as when immersed in distilled water, a characteristic of the cyanophyceae.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "plasmolyzability" is derived from combining two terms: "plasmolysis" and "ability".
1. "Plasmolysis" comes from the Greek word "plasma" meaning "something molded or formed", and "lysis" meaning "the breaking down or dissolution of". In biology, plasmolysis refers to the process by which a plant cell loses water, causing its protoplasm to shrink away from the cell wall.
2. "Ability" comes from the Latin word "abilitas", which means "capacity" or "skill".
By combining these two terms, "plasmolyzability" is created to describe the capacity or ability of a substance or organism to undergo plasmolysis.