Cell lysis is the process in which a cell's membrane is disrupted, leading to the release of its internal contents. This can occur naturally, such as during cell death, or artificially through methods like detergents or enzymes. Lysis is important in various biological processes, including the breakdown of bacteria by the immune system. In laboratory settings, cell lysis is often used to extract DNA, RNA, or proteins for analysis. Techniques like sonication or freeze-thaw cycles can facilitate this process, allowing researchers to study cellular components in detail. Understanding cell lysis is crucial for fields like molecular biology and biotechnology.