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Glite Dictionary
autolysis

autolysis

1 9.9
The breaking down of animal or plant tissue by its own enzymes after death
  • noun
  • /ɔːˈtɑːlɪsɪs/
  • Specialized
translation icon : autólisis
  • The scientist explained that autolysis occurs when enzymes within the cells begin to digest the tissue after the organism dies.

Examples

  • After death, the muscle tissue underwent autolysis, causing it to break down rapidly.

  • The legs aren't stiff, but there is no autolysis.

    Anatomy of Love (2010)

  • It was then enclosed in a totally impervious external rubber shell so that autolysis and/or dehydration were unlikely to occur.

    Academic text (1991)

  • This observation is in agreement with the optimum pH observed for the autolysis of arrowtooth flounder muscle (Green and Babbitt, 1990).

    Academic text (1993)

  • B2 fractures where we used Cannulock systems showed breakage of screws and autolysis at the tip of the implant with associated sinking of the prosthesis.

    Academic text (2007)

  • In the absence of preservation, the sample exhibited signs of autolysis, indicating it was no longer viable.

Synonyms

necrolysis
vsautolysis
  • NSFW
1 9.9

Breakdown of dead tissue in the body, often after disease or a burn

involves breakdown by the organism's own enzymes rather than external damage
self-digestion
vsautolysis
  • Specialized
8.1

A plant or animal using its own enzymes to break down its tissues

is the same process but usually happens after death or during disease

Surface Forms

autolysis singular
autolyses plural

Morphology

autolysis = lysis (semi-transparent) = auto + lysis

The prefix 'auto-' contributes the idea of 'self', but the full biological meaning is technical and not fully guessable for an average learner.

Etymology

Autolysis comes from the parts auto- meaning 'self' and -lysis meaning 'to break' or 'to loosen', the same -lysis you see in analysis. So autolysis is when a plant or animal 'breaks itself down' with its own enzymes after death, which is why tissues fall apart on their own.