How Do You Spell PLASMORRHEXIS?

Pronunciation: [plˌazməɹˈɛksɪs] (IPA)

Plasmorrhexis is a biological term that refers to the rupture of a cell's plasma membrane, resulting in the release of its contents. The word is composed of the prefix "plasmo-", meaning "plasma," and the suffix "-rrhexis," meaning "rupture." The correct pronunciation of plasmorrhexis is [plaz-muh-rek-sis], with the stress on the second syllable. The spelling of the word follows the standard rules of English spelling, with the addition of the Greek combining form "-rrhexis."

PLASMORRHEXIS Meaning and Definition

1. Plasmorrhexis is a term used in biology to describe the process of cell rupture or the bursting of cells due to the loss of water or the disruption of the osmotic balance. It derives from the Greek words "plasma," meaning 'something molded or formed,' and "rhexis," meaning 'rupture or break.'

   In biological systems, plasmorrhexis occurs when a cell is exposed to a hypertonic or highly concentrated solution, causing water to move out of the cell through osmosis. As a result, the cell loses its turgidity and shrinks. The continuous loss of water eventually leads to the rupture or bursting of the cell membrane, allowing the cell's contents to spill into the surrounding environment.

   This phenomenon is commonly observed in plants when they experience water stress, such as in situations of drought or excessive salinity. Plasmorrhexis can have detrimental effects on the plant, disrupting vital cellular functions and potentially leading to cell death.

   The study of plasmorrhexis is of particular interest in various fields of biology, including plant physiology, microbiology, and cell biology. Understanding the mechanisms of plasmorrhexis can provide insights into the adaptive responses of organisms to unfavorable environmental conditions and inform strategies for managing water stress in agricultural practices.

   In summary, plasmorrhexis refers to the rupture or bursting of cells caused by the loss of water or imbalances in osmotic pressure.

2. Disintegration of a red blood-cell by shriveling (crenation) with extrusion of particles of varying size, erythrocytorrhexis; plasmatorrhexis.

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

Common Misspellings for PLASMORRHEXIS

• plasmorrhexms
• plasmorrhexhs
• plasmorrhexi3
• plasmorrhexic
• plasmorrhexiq
• plasmorrhexir
• plasmoarrhexis
• pl asmorrhexis
• pla smorrhexis
• plas morrhexis
• plasm orrhexis
• plasmo rrhexis
• plasmor rhexis
• plasmorr hexis
• plasmorrh exis
• plasmorrhe xis
• plasmorrhex is
• plasmorrhexi s

Etymology of PLASMORRHEXIS

The word "plasmorrhexis" is derived from two Greek roots: "plasma" and "rhexis".

-"Plasma" (πλάσμα) in Greek refers to something molded or formed. It stems from the verb "plassein", meaning "to mold or form". In the context of biology, "plasma" specifically refers to the fluid component of blood or lymph.

-"Rhexis" (ῥῆξις) is also a Greek term meaning "a rupture" or "a tearing apart". It comes from the verb "rhegnymi", which means "to break" or "to burst forth".

When combined, "plasmorrhexis" refers to the rupturing or breaking apart of the plasma or fluid component of blood or lymph.