The process of self-digestion in organs and tissues.
A situation in which cells destroy themselves with their own enzymes.
The spontaneous disintegration of the bacterial cell as the result of age, or of un-favourable physiological conditions activating autolysin, an enzyme in the cell capable of hydrolysing cell wall structure.
The destruction of tissues or cells brought about by the actions of their own enzymes.
The disintegration and softening of dead cells brought about by enzymes in the cells themselves.
The self-dissolution or self-digestion that occurs in tissues or cells by enzymes in the cells themselves, such as occurs after death and in some pathological conditions.
The phenomenon in which an organism experiences self-destruction can be referred to as autolysis. This intricate process is the result of a cascade of biochemical reactions that take place within the cells of the organism, ultimately leading to the dissolution of its tissues and organs. Autolysis is a natural occurrence that can take place after an organism has died, but it can also be induced under specific conditions such as starvation, infection, and injury. During autolysis, the cells of the organism release enzymes that break down the cellular components and lead to the release of their contents. As the process continues, the tissues become liquefied and the organism disintegrates.
The natural degradation of tissues due to the activity of their own enzymes, which occurs in specific diseased states and post-mortem.