What is the difference between plasmolysis and crenation?

Plasmolysis occurs in plant cells, while crenation occurs in animal cells. Both happen when cells lose water due to a hypertonic environment. In plasmolysis, water leaves the plant cell’s vacuole by osmosis, causing the plasma membrane to pull away from the rigid cell wall. The cell wall stays intact, so the plant cell appears shrunken but not collapsed. This process is reversible if the cell is later placed in a hypotonic solution.

In contrast, animal cells have no cell wall, so when they lose water in a hypertonic solution, their entire cell volume decreases and the cell shrivels irregularly—a process called crenation. This is common in red blood cells exposed to salty solutions. Plasmolysis mainly affects plant turgor pressure and makes leaves wilt, while crenation affects the shape and function of animal cells. In both, dehydration interferes with normal biochemical reactions and can lead to cell death if not corrected.