The breakdown or degradation of proteins by the organism's own enzymes, particularly when proteins are broken down by proteases from the same organism.
From auto- (self) + proteolysis (protein breakdown). This biochemical term describes self-digestion of proteins, common in cell death and digestive processes.
Your stomach uses autoproteolysis—your own cells produce enzymes that break down proteins, and sometimes these enzymes even start breaking down the stomach's own protective lining, which is why you need that special mucus layer.
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