The process where a plant cell's cytoplasm shrinks away from the cell wall due to water loss in a hypertonic solution. This occurs when water moves out of the cell, causing the cell membrane to pull away from the rigid cell wall.
From Greek 'plasma' meaning 'something molded' and 'lysis' meaning 'loosening or dissolution.' The term was coined in the late 19th century as botanists began understanding cellular water dynamics and osmotic pressure in plant cells.
Plasmolysis is actually reversible and plants use this mechanism as a natural defense! When cells plasmolyze, they become less turgid and the plant wilts, reducing surface area and conserving precious water during drought conditions.
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