autolysis

Autolysis is the breakdown of a cell or tissue by its own enzymes. This process is also referred to as self-digestion. It can occur in various contexts, including in vitro when tissues digest themselves.12

Lysosomes, which are organelles within eukaryotic cells, contain hydrolytic enzymes that break down cellular components. These enzymes are active in an acidic internal environment, protecting the rest of the cell from self-degradation if the lysosome ruptures. Autophagocytosis is a process where old or malfunctioning cell parts are enclosed and then fused with lysosomes for breakdown.3

While necrosis is an abnormal form of cell death often caused by external factors like injury or toxins, programmed cell death (apoptosis) is a natural, internally driven process crucial for development and tissue maintenance.2