WBC Lysing
Lysis refers to the process of breakdown of cells. This can be a viral, enzymatic, or osmotic process. A fluid containing the contents of a lysed cell is called a "lysate". Various negative alien devices, implants or processes are designed to lyse cells or interfere with the process of lysing of cells. These are commonly found in the blood and the DNA structure.
Haemolysis - refers to the breakdown of red blood cells(RBC). Substances that breakdown RBC are called haemolysins. Bacteria, parasites and fungus can cause haemolysis by producing haemolysins.
There are a number of other different processes of lysis:
Cytolysis - occurs when a cell bursts due to an osmotic imbalance that has caused excess water to move into a cell.
Oncolysis - refers to the destruction of a tumour or neoplastic cells.
Plasmolysis - is the contraction of cells due to the loss of water through osmosis
Cell lysis is also used in a number of laboratory techniques to prevent destruction of the cells. For example, when working with proteins and DNA, techniques can collect WBC intact having separated them from the RBC in the whole blood.
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See Also
Term First Found in HGS Manual on Page 49