autolysin
/ɔˈtɑlɪsɪn/
noun
- An enzyme produced by an organism that breaks down its own cells (causes autolysis).
- Scientists identified a specific autolysin responsible for the self-digestion of the yeast.
- Inhibiting the autolysin prevented the cells from breaking down too quickly.
- The bacteria produced an autolysin that helped it recycle its cell wall.
Synonyms