What does the suffix "-lysis" refer to?

The suffix "-lysis" is derived from the Greek word "lysis," which means "to loosen" or "to break down." In medical terminology, it specifically refers to the process of destruction or breakdown of cells, tissues, or other substances. This term is often used in contexts such as "hemolysis," which is the breakdown of red blood cells, or "autolysis," which refers to the self-digestion of cells through the action of their own enzymes. This focus on the process of breaking down or loosening is what makes this suffix distinctly related to destruction or breakdown, thereby affirming that the chosen answer accurately reflects the meaning of "-lysis."