The suffix "-lysis" is frequently used in contexts that involve what kind of processes?

The suffix "-lysis" derives from the Greek word "lysis," meaning loosening or breaking down. It is commonly used in medical and scientific terminology to describe processes that involve the breakdown or separation of substances. For example, hemolysis refers to the breakdown of red blood cells, while hydrolysis describes the chemical reaction where water is used to break down compounds. This suffix is significant in fields such as biology and medicine as it highlights processes of decomposition and separation, which are essential for understanding various physiological and biochemical events.