Which of the following can result from the disruption of cell membranes by hydrostatic pressure?

The disruption of cell membranes by hydrostatic pressure can lead to cell lysis, which is the breaking down or rupturing of the cell membrane. This process occurs when the pressure exceeds the structural integrity of the membrane, causing it to fail and allowing the cellular contents to leak out. Lysis can result from various forms of stress, including that applied by high hydrostatic pressure, which overwhelms the membrane's ability to maintain its integrity.

In this context, cell membranes play a critical role in maintaining homeostasis and regulating what goes in and out of the cell. When hydrostatic pressure disrupts these membranes, the cell can no longer maintain its essential functions, often leading to cell death if the disruption is severe enough.

In contrast to lysis, increased metabolic rates, enhanced growth rates, and reduced enzymatic activity would not directly result from membrane disruption. Instead, these processes are influenced by other factors such as nutrient availability, temperature, and specific biological pathways, whereas the immediate outcome of membrane disruption primarily revolves around the integrity and viability of the cell itself.