-lysis denotes which process?

• A. Growing
• B. Destroying
• C. Healing
• D. Cutting

Answer: (B)

-lysis denotes the process of breaking down, dissolving, or destroying something. In medical terms, this suffix signals destruction or dissolution of cells, tissues, or substances, as seen in examples like hemolysis (rupture of red blood cells) or fibrinolysis (breakdown of fibrin in clots). Growth, healing, and cutting describe increasing, repairing, or severing/incising, respectively, and do not fit the meaning of -lysis. That makes destroying the correct interpretation.