Crenation

Definition

Crenation is the process by which a cell shrinks and develops a scalloped or notched surface due to water loss through osmosis. This typically occurs when a cell is placed in a hypertonic solution.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Crenation happens in cells exposed to hypertonic environments.
2. Crenated cells exhibit a characteristic spiked or scalloped appearance.
3. Prokaryotic cells can experience crenation, though it is less commonly discussed than in erythrocytes.
4. The process is driven by osmotic pressure differences across the cell membrane.
5. Crenation can lead to cellular dysfunction and death if not reversed.

Review Questions

• What environmental condition leads to crenation?
• Describe the appearance of a crenated cell.
• Why does crenation occur at the cellular level?

Related terms

Osmosis: The movement of water across a semipermeable membrane from an area of lower solute concentration to higher solute concentration.

Hypertonic Solution: A solution with a higher concentration of solutes compared to the inside of the cell, causing water to leave the cell.

Plasmolysis: The process where plant cells lose water in a hypertonic environment, leading to shrinkage away from the cell wall.