Lysis

Definition

The bursting open of a cell, releasing the new virus particles inside it.

Used by Edexcel and OCR

Specification 5.7B · Paper 1

The host cell then bursts open — lysis — releasing the particles. They can infect nearby cells and repeat the process. Producing many particles in one cell helps the infection spread through the host, while the destruction of cells can cause harm.
Revise: Lifecycle of a Virus

Specification B3.3f · Paper 1 (Foundation), Paper 3 (Higher)

The bursting of a cell when its membrane ruptures, for example after too much water enters by osmosis.

1
For the lytic pathway, give the sequence: entry into a host cell, production of viral components, assembly of new viruses, then release by lysis.
2
Use “may burst” for a cell gaining water: lysis occurs if enough water enters to rupture its membrane.

Create a free account to read GCSE Biology revision notes for your exam board and track your progress.

The cell swells and, if enough water enters, its membrane ruptures: this is lysis. Animal cells have no cell wall to prevent this.