What is the purpose of lysis?

Lysis is a technique commonly used in molecular biology experiments. It’s designed to disrupt and compromise the integrity of the plasma membrane of a cell so that intracellular proteins, lipids, nucleic acids, and other components can be extracted for analysis. Several types of methods can be used to lysis cells, these include:

• Mechanical lysis. In this method a mechanical instrument (e.g. polytron or waring blender) is used to physically broken down the plasma membrane of a cell.
• Liquid Homogenization. In this method cells are lysed by forcing the cell suspension through a narrow opening or space. Apparatuses for this type of lysis include a dounce homogenizer or a Potter-Elvehjem Homogenizer.
• Sonication. In this method a sonicator is used to send high frequency sound waves that agitate the cells and break-up their membranes.
• Freeze/Thaw Cycle. In this method, the cell suspension is subjected to freezing in dry ice or ethanol and then thawing at either room temperature or 37°C. This causes the cells to swell and contract during the freeze and thaw cycles, respectively, until the cell membrane breaks.
• Chemical Lysis Buffer. In this method a chemical lysis buffer containing detergents, solvents and/or enzymes is used to breakdown the cell wall.