Definitions

1. noun

A toxin that selectively kills cells by disrupting the integrity of their plasma membranes.

“The researchers isolated a cytolysin from the venom of the snake, which they studied to understand its mechanism of action.”

2. noun

A type of pore-forming toxin that creates pores in the cell membrane, leading to cell lysis.

“The bacteria produced a cytolysin that caused lysis of the host cells, allowing them to infect the tissue.”