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Glite Dictionary
lysin

lysin

9.9
A substance that breaks open cells, like an antibody or enzyme
  • noun
  • /ˈlaɪsɪn/
  • Specialized
translation icon : lisina
  • Some antibiotics function as lysins, destroying harmful microbes by causing cell lysis.

Examples

  • The immune system produces lysins to target and break down foreign cells.

  • Researchers discovered a new lysin that attacks the bacterium's cell wall.

  • The lysin in the solution effectively breaks down the bacterial cells.

  • Researchers are studying different types of lysins for their potential medical applications.

  • Scientists have developed a lysin that can effectively destroy tumor cells in laboratory tests.

  • The lysin released by the bacteriophage penetrates the bacteria's outer membrane, leading to cell death.

  • In their research, they identified a lysin that specifically targets and lyses antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

Synonyms

cytolysin
vslysin
  • Specialized
9.9

A substance that breaks open animal cells by damaging their cell membrane

is a general substance that causes disintegration of cells broadly
erythrolysin
vslysin
  • Specialized
9.9

A substance that destroys red blood cells and releases the red protein in them

is broader and not limited to red blood cell destruction
erythrocytolysin
vslysin
  • Specialized
9.9

A substance that destroys red blood cells and releases their red pigment

is more general and applies to various cell types
lysozyme
vslysin
  • Specialized
8.3

A protein in tears, saliva and sweat that kills some bacteria

causes cell disintegration but is not limited to bacteria

Surface Forms

lysin singular
lysins plural

Morphology

lysin = lysis (opaque) = lys + in

The term 'lysin' is derived from 'lysis' with the suffix '-in', but this formation is not transparent to learners unfamiliar with scientific terminology.

Etymology

Lysin comes from an old Greek word lysis, which means 'to break apart' or 'to loosen' and appears in words like analysis, where you 'break' something into parts. So a lysin is named for what it does: a substance that 'breaks' or destroys cells.