autolysis
Enzymes destroying own cell
Autolysis is the self-destruction of cells or tissues by their own enzymes.
After death, cells break down from within as digestive enzymes are released—a process distinct from decay caused by bacteria.
The term appears in biology, medicine, and food science: The fish underwent autolysis before it could be examined.
In brewing and winemaking, autolysis of yeast cells contributes desirable flavors.
Reaction-speeding proteins
- lysosomesOrganelles containing breakdown enzymes
- proteolysisEnzymatic protein breakdown
- hydrolysisWater-induced bond cleavage
- proteasesEnzymes cleaving peptide bonds
lipases · catabolism · intracellular · cytoplasm · organelles · vacuole · self-digestion · biochemistry
Programmed cell death
- autophagyCellular self-degradation process
- necrosisLocalized cell death
- lysosomesOrganelles containing breakdown enzymes
- mitochondriaCell's energy-producing organelles
Bacterial breakdown of tissue
- rotOrganic breakdown process
- spoilageFood degradation process
- decompositionBreakdown into simpler parts
- deteriorationProcess of declining quality
breakdown · degradation · foulness · rancidity · souring · softening · discoloration · food-safety
Fermenting fungus
- brewingBeverage preparation process
- winemakingCrafting fermented grape beverages
- leesFermentation deposit residue
- champagneEffervescent celebratory wine
esters · mouthfeel · bread-making · dough · saccharomyces · umami
Organism breaking down corpses
- detritivoreEats dead organic material
- compostDecayed organic fertilizer
- biodegradationMicrobial breakdown of organics
- humusDecayed organic soil matter
ecosystem · scavenger · maggot · bacteria · fungi · detritus · mineralization
Body for dissection
- decompositionBreakdown into simpler parts
- forensicsScientific crime-scene analysis
- mortuaryFacility housing corpses
- embalmingPreserving dead bodies chemically
enzymes
Reaction-speeding proteins
- lysosomesOrganelles containing breakdown enzymes
- proteolysisEnzymatic protein breakdown
- hydrolysisWater-induced bond cleavage
proteases · lipases · catabolism · intracellular · cytoplasm · organelles · vacuole · self-digestion · biochemistry · molecular
apoptosis
Programmed cell death
- autophagyCellular self-degradation process
- necrosisLocalized cell death
- lysosomesOrganelles containing breakdown enzymes
mitochondria · cytolysis · phagocytosis · homeostasis · senescence
putrefaction
Bacterial breakdown of tissue
- rotOrganic breakdown process
- spoilageFood degradation process
- decompositionBreakdown into simpler parts
deterioration · breakdown · degradation · foulness · rancidity · souring · softening · discoloration · food-safety
yeast
Fermenting fungus
- brewingBeverage preparation process
- winemakingCrafting fermented grape beverages
- leesFermentation deposit residue
champagne · esters · mouthfeel · bread-making · dough · saccharomyces · umami
decomposer
Organism breaking down corpses
- detritivoreEats dead organic material
- compostDecayed organic fertilizer
- biodegradationMicrobial breakdown of organics
humus · ecosystem · scavenger · maggot · bacteria · fungi · detritus · mineralization
cadaver
Body for dissection
- decompositionBreakdown into simpler parts
- forensicsScientific crime-scene analysis
- mortuaryFacility housing corpses
embalming · putrefaction · morgue · autopsy
autolysisregeneration
Biological self-repair process
cell growth · anabolism · biosynthesis · homeostasis · tissue repair