The breakdown or destruction of cells by their own internal enzymes or chemical processes, without external attack.
From auto- (self) + cyto- (cell, from Greek 'kytos') + -lysis (breaking/dissolving). This scientific term literally means 'self-cell-breaking,' describing a natural cellular process.
Autocytolysis is how cells commit controlled suicide when they're damaged beyond repair—your body uses this mechanism thousands of times daily to prevent infected or broken cells from spreading damage, which is why understanding this process is key to treating cancer.
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