autolyzes

/ˈɔːtəlaɪzɪz/
verb
  1. Third person singular form of autolyze: breaks down or digests cells or tissues using the organism's own enzymes.
    • The yeast autolyzes when it runs out of nutrients.
    • This enzyme causes the cell to autolyze quickly.
    • The fungus autolyzes its own cell walls during reproduction.
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