karyolysis
- noun
- /ˌkɛəriˈɑlɪsɪs/
- Specialized
- During the process of apoptosis, karyolysis occurs as the cell nucleus dissolves.
Examples
-
Karyolysis is a key indicator of cell death observable under a microscope.
-
In cancerous tissues, karyolysis may lead to the formation of indistinct or shadowy cells.
-
This peculiar form of karyolysis earned these cells the designation "shadow cells." They are mature, neoplastic, matrical cells that have failed to develop into a hair.
Academic text (1999)
How Degenerated
- Specialized
- Specialized
1
9.9
Surface Forms
Morphology
karyolysis = karyon (opaque) = karyo + lysis
Both elements are Greek combining forms used mainly in scientific vocabulary; general learners will not recognize them, so the meaning is not derivable for an average B1 learner.
Etymology
The word karyolysis comes from Greek parts karyo- meaning 'nucleus' or 'core' and -lysis meaning 'breaking' or 'loosening'. You can also see -lysis in the medical word dialysis, so karyolysis simply means the cell's nucleus is breaking down during cell death.