autophagy

  1. Noun.  (biology) The process of self-digestion by a cell through the action of enzymes originating within the same cell. Often a defensive and/or self-preservation measure.
  2. Noun.  (biology) A type of programmed cell death accomplished through self-digestion.
  3. Noun.  (rare) Self-consumption; the act of eating oneself.

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This entry was last updated on RefTopia from its source on 3/20/2012.