noun
- An enzyme produced by a cell or organism that breaks down its own cell walls or tissues; a self-digesting enzyme.
Usage: technical; biology; biochemistry
Examples
- Autolysins are produced by bacteria to remodel their cell walls during growth and division.
- The release of autolysins can lead to cell death if the process is not carefully regulated.
- Researchers study autolysins to understand how bacteria control their own cell wall degradation.
- Autolysins play a crucial role in bacterial cell wall turnover and maintenance.