osmotic shock

osmotic shock definition - medical

osmotic shock

noun
The rupture of bacterial or other cells in a solution following a sudden reduction in osmotic pressure; it is sometimes induced to release cellular components for biochemical analysis.

The American Heritage® Medical Dictionary Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

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