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{{Short description|Process by which cells lose water in a hypertonic solution}}
{{Double image stack|right|Rhoeo Discolor epidermis.jpg|Rhoeo Discolor - Plasmolysis.jpg|180|Before plasmolysis, and after.}}
{{Infobox medical condition
'''Plasmolysis''' is the process in plant cells where the plasma membrane pulls away from the cell wall due to the loss of water through [[osmosis]]. The reverse process, cytolysis, can occur if the cell is in a [[Tonicity#Hypotonicity|hypotonic]] solution resulting in a higher external [[Osmotic_pressure|osmotic pressure]] and net flow of water into the cell. Through observation of plasmolysis and deplasmolysis it is possible to determine the [[tonicity]] of the cell's environment as well as the rate solute molecules cross the cellular membrane.
|name =
|synonyms =
|image = Blausen 0683 OsmoticFlow Hypertonic.png
|image_size =
|alt =
|image_thumbtime =
|caption = A red blood cell in a hypertonic solution, causing water to move out of the cell.
|pronounce =
|pronounce 2 =
|specialty = [[Cell biology]]
|symptoms =
|complications =
|onset =
|duration =
|types =
|causes = [[Osmosis]]
|risks =
|diagnosis =
|differential =
|prevention =
|treatment =
|medication =
|prognosis =
|frequency =
|deaths =
}}
{{Multiple image|direction=vertical|align=right|image1=Rhoeo Discolor epidermis.jpg|image2=Rhoeo Discolor - Plasmolysis.jpg|width=180|caption2=Before plasmolysis (top) and after (bottom)}}
'''Plasmolysis''' is the process in which cells lose water in a [[hypertonic]] solution. The reverse process, [[deplasmolysation|deplasmolysis]] or [[cytolysis]], can occur if the cell is in a [[Tonicity#Hypotonicity|hypotonic]] solution resulting in a lower external [[osmotic pressure]] and a net flow of water into the cell. Through observation of plasmolysis and deplasmolysis, it is possible to determine the [[tonicity]] of the cell's environment as well as the rate solute molecules cross the [[Cell membrane|cellular membrane]].

==Etymology==
The term plasmolysis is derived from the Latin word ‘plasma’ meaning ‘matrix’ and the Greek word ‘lysis’, meaning ‘loosening’.


== Turgidity ==
== Turgidity ==
{{main|Turgor Pressure}}
{{main|Turgor pressure}}
A plant cell in a more hypotonic solution will absorb water by [[endosmosis]], so that the increased volume of water in the cell will increase pressure, making the [[protoplasm]] push against the cell wall, a condition known as [[turgor]]. Turgor makes plant cells push against each other in the same way and is the main line method of support in non-woody plant tissue. Plant cell walls resist further water entry after a certain point, known as full turgor, which stops plant cells from bursting as animal cells do in the same conditions. This is also the reason that plants stand up right. Without the stiffness of the plant cells the plant would fall under its own weight. This is the same reason that when we pour water into a potted plant it perks up.
A plant cell in hypotonic solution will absorb water by [[endosmosis]], so that the increased volume of water in the cell will increase pressure, making the [[protoplasm]] push against the [[cell wall]], a condition known as [[turgor]]. Turgor makes plant cells push against each other in the same way and is the main line method of support in non-woody plant tissue. Plant cell walls resist further water entry after a certain point, known as full turgor, which stops plant cells from bursting as animal cells do in the same conditions. This is also the reason that plants stand upright. Without the stiffness of the plant cells the plant would fall under its own weight. Turgor pressure allows plants to stay firm and erect, and plants without turgor pressure (known as flaccid) wilt. A cell will begin to decline in turgor pressure only when there is no air spaces surrounding it and eventually leads to a greater osmotic pressure than that of the cell.<ref>{{Cite book|title=Plants in Action|last=Munns|first=Rana|publisher=Australian Society of Plant Scientists|year=2010}}</ref> Vacuoles play a role in turgor pressure when water leaves the cell due to [[hyperosmotic]] solutions containing solutes such as [[mannitol]], [[sorbitol]], and [[sucrose]].<ref name="[1]">{{cite journal|last1=Lang|first1=Ingeborg|last2=Sassmann|first2=Stefan|last3=Schmidt|first3=Brigitte|last4=Komis|first4=George|year=2014|title=Plasmolysis: Loss of Turgor and Beyond|journal=Plants|volume=3|issue=4|pages=583–93|doi=10.3390/plants3040583|pmc=4844282|pmid=27135521|doi-access=free}}</ref>

[[File:Plasmolysed Plant Cell.jpg|thumb|right|Plant cell undergoing Plasmolysis in a Hypertonic solution (x400 magnification)]]


== Plasmolysis ==
== Plasmolysis ==
[[Image:Turgor pressure on plant cells diagram.svg|thumb|300px|right|Plant cell under different environments]] If a plant cell is placed in a [[Tonicity#Hypertonicity|hypertonic]] solution, the plant cell loses water and hence [[turgor]] pressure, making the plant cell [[flaccid]]. Plants with cells in this condition wilt. Further water loss causes plasmolysis: pressure decreases to the point where the [[protoplasm]] of the cell peels away from the cell wall, leaving gaps between the cell wall and the membrane. Eventually [[cytorrhysis]] the complete collapse of the cell wall can occur. There are some mechanisms in plants to prevent excess water loss in the same way as excess water gain, but plasmolysis can be reversed if the cell is placed in a weaker solution (hypotonic solution). Stomata help keep water in the plant so it does not dry out. Wax also keeps water in the plant. The equivalent process in animal cells is called [[crenation]].
[[Image:Turgor pressure on plant cells diagram.svg|thumb|300px|right|Plant cell under different environments]] If a plant cell is placed in a [[Tonicity#Hypertonic solution|hypertonic]] solution, the plant cell loses water and hence [[turgor]] pressure by plasmolysis: pressure decreases to the point where the protoplasm of the cell peels away from the cell wall, leaving gaps between the cell wall and the membrane and making the plant cell shrink and crumple. A continued decrease in pressure eventually leads to [[cytorrhysis]] – the complete collapse of the cell wall. Plants with cells in this condition wilt. After plasmolysis the gap between the cell wall and the cell membrane in a plant cell is filled with [[hypertonic]] solution. This is because as the solution surrounding the cell is hypertonic, [[exosmosis]] takes place and the space between the cell wall and cytoplasm is filled with solutes, as most of the water drains away and hence the concentration inside the cell becomes more hypertonic. There are some mechanisms in plants to prevent excess water loss in the same way as excess water gain. Plasmolysis can be reversed if the cell is placed in a [[hypotonic]] solution. [[Stoma]]ta close to help keep water in the plant so it does not dry out. [[Wax]] also keeps water in the plant. The equivalent process in animal cells is called [[crenation]].
The liquid content of the cell leaks out due to diffusion. The cell collapse and cell membrane pulls away from the cell wall(in plants). Most animal cells consist of only a phospholipid bilayer and not a cell wall, therefore shrinking up under such conditions.
The liquid content of the cell leaks out due to exosmosis. The cell collapses, and the cell membrane pulls away from the cell wall (in plants). Most animal cells consist of only a [[Lipid bilayer|phospholipid bilayer]] ([[plasma membrane]]) and not a cell wall, therefore shrinking up under such conditions.


Plasmolysis only occurs in extreme conditions and rarely happens in nature. It is induced in the laboratory by immersing cells in strong saline or sugar solutions to cause [[exosmosis]], often using Elodea plants or onion epidermal cells, which have coloured cell sap so that the process is clearly visible.
Plasmolysis only occurs in extreme conditions and rarely occurs in nature. It is induced in the laboratory by immersing cells in strong [[Saline (medicine)|saline]] or sugar (sucrose) solutions to cause [[exosmosis]], often using ''[[Elodea]]'' plants or [[onion epidermal cell]]s, which have colored cell sap so that the process is clearly visible. [[Methylene blue]] can be used to stain plant cells.


Plasmolysis is mainly known as shrinking of cell membrane in hypertonic solution and great pressure.
Plasmolysis can be of two types. It can be either concave plasmolysis or convex plasmolysis. Convex plasmolysis is always irreversible while concave plasmolysis is usually reversible.{{fact|date=October 2008}}


Plasmolysis can be of two types, either concave plasmolysis or convex plasmolysis. Convex plasmolysis is always irreversible while concave plasmolysis is usually reversible.<ref name="[1]" /> During concave plasmolysis, the plasma membrane and the enclosed protoplast partially shrinks from the cell wall due to half-spherical, inwarding curving pockets forming between the plasma membrane and the cell wall. During convex plasmolysis, the plasma membrane and the enclosed protoplast shrinks completely from the cell wall, with the plasma membrane's ends in a symmetrically, spherically curved pattern.<ref name="[1]" />
==See also==
*[[Crenation]]
*[[Cytolysis]], where the cell bursts rather than shrinks.


==References==
==References==
{{refs}}
{{Reflist}}


== External links ==
== External links ==


* [http://www.pgjr.alpine.k12.ut.us/science/whitaker/Cell_Chemistry/Plasmolysis.html Pictures of plasmolysis in [[Elodea]] and onion skin]
* Pictures of plasmolysis in [[Elodea]] and onion skin. {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080416083006/http://www.pgjr.alpine.k12.ut.us/science/whitaker/Cell_Chemistry/Plasmolysis.html |date=April 16, 2008 }}
* [http://3e.plantphys.net/article.php?ch=3&id=31 Wilting and plasymolysis]
* Wilting and plasmolysis. {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071014032730/http://4e.plantphys.net/article.php?ch=3&id=31 |date=October 14, 2007 }}


[[Category:Plant physiology]]
[[Category:Plant physiology]]
[[Category:Membrane biology]]
[[Category:Membrane biology]]

[[cs:Plazmolýza]]
[[de:Plasmolyse]]
[[es:Plasmólisis]]
[[fr:Plasmolyse]]
[[id:Plasmolisis]]
[[it:Plasmolisi]]
[[he:פלסמוליזה]]
[[lt:Plazmolizė]]
[[nl:Plasmolyse]]
[[ja:原形質分離]]
[[pl:Plazmoliza]]
[[pt:Plasmólise]]
[[ru:Плазмолиз]]
[[sk:Plazmolýza]]
[[fi:Plasmolyysi]]
[[zh:质壁分离]]

Latest revision as of 04:55, 15 September 2024

Plasmolysis
A red blood cell in a hypertonic solution, causing water to move out of the cell.
SpecialtyCell biology
CausesOsmosis
Before plasmolysis (top) and after (bottom)

Plasmolysis is the process in which cells lose water in a hypertonic solution. The reverse process, deplasmolysis or cytolysis, can occur if the cell is in a hypotonic solution resulting in a lower external osmotic pressure and a net flow of water into the cell. Through observation of plasmolysis and deplasmolysis, it is possible to determine the tonicity of the cell's environment as well as the rate solute molecules cross the cellular membrane.

Etymology

[edit]

The term plasmolysis is derived from the Latin word ‘plasma’ meaning ‘matrix’ and the Greek word ‘lysis’, meaning ‘loosening’.

Turgidity

[edit]

A plant cell in hypotonic solution will absorb water by endosmosis, so that the increased volume of water in the cell will increase pressure, making the protoplasm push against the cell wall, a condition known as turgor. Turgor makes plant cells push against each other in the same way and is the main line method of support in non-woody plant tissue. Plant cell walls resist further water entry after a certain point, known as full turgor, which stops plant cells from bursting as animal cells do in the same conditions. This is also the reason that plants stand upright. Without the stiffness of the plant cells the plant would fall under its own weight. Turgor pressure allows plants to stay firm and erect, and plants without turgor pressure (known as flaccid) wilt. A cell will begin to decline in turgor pressure only when there is no air spaces surrounding it and eventually leads to a greater osmotic pressure than that of the cell.[1] Vacuoles play a role in turgor pressure when water leaves the cell due to hyperosmotic solutions containing solutes such as mannitol, sorbitol, and sucrose.[2]

Plant cell undergoing Plasmolysis in a Hypertonic solution (x400 magnification)

Plasmolysis

[edit]
Plant cell under different environments

If a plant cell is placed in a hypertonic solution, the plant cell loses water and hence turgor pressure by plasmolysis: pressure decreases to the point where the protoplasm of the cell peels away from the cell wall, leaving gaps between the cell wall and the membrane and making the plant cell shrink and crumple. A continued decrease in pressure eventually leads to cytorrhysis – the complete collapse of the cell wall. Plants with cells in this condition wilt. After plasmolysis the gap between the cell wall and the cell membrane in a plant cell is filled with hypertonic solution. This is because as the solution surrounding the cell is hypertonic, exosmosis takes place and the space between the cell wall and cytoplasm is filled with solutes, as most of the water drains away and hence the concentration inside the cell becomes more hypertonic. There are some mechanisms in plants to prevent excess water loss in the same way as excess water gain. Plasmolysis can be reversed if the cell is placed in a hypotonic solution. Stomata close to help keep water in the plant so it does not dry out. Wax also keeps water in the plant. The equivalent process in animal cells is called crenation.

The liquid content of the cell leaks out due to exosmosis. The cell collapses, and the cell membrane pulls away from the cell wall (in plants). Most animal cells consist of only a phospholipid bilayer (plasma membrane) and not a cell wall, therefore shrinking up under such conditions.

Plasmolysis only occurs in extreme conditions and rarely occurs in nature. It is induced in the laboratory by immersing cells in strong saline or sugar (sucrose) solutions to cause exosmosis, often using Elodea plants or onion epidermal cells, which have colored cell sap so that the process is clearly visible. Methylene blue can be used to stain plant cells.

Plasmolysis is mainly known as shrinking of cell membrane in hypertonic solution and great pressure.

Plasmolysis can be of two types, either concave plasmolysis or convex plasmolysis. Convex plasmolysis is always irreversible while concave plasmolysis is usually reversible.[2] During concave plasmolysis, the plasma membrane and the enclosed protoplast partially shrinks from the cell wall due to half-spherical, inwarding curving pockets forming between the plasma membrane and the cell wall. During convex plasmolysis, the plasma membrane and the enclosed protoplast shrinks completely from the cell wall, with the plasma membrane's ends in a symmetrically, spherically curved pattern.[2]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ Munns, Rana (2010). Plants in Action. Australian Society of Plant Scientists.
  2. ^ a b c Lang, Ingeborg; Sassmann, Stefan; Schmidt, Brigitte; Komis, George (2014). "Plasmolysis: Loss of Turgor and Beyond". Plants. 3 (4): 583–93. doi:10.3390/plants3040583. PMC 4844282. PMID 27135521.
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