autolysis

n. breakdown of tissue as a result of digestive enzymes present in the tissue (symptom of malnutrition)

Autolysis is a process by which a biological cell self-destructs. It is uncommon in adult organisms and usually occurs in injured cells or dying tissue. It occurs when a lysosome allows the digestive enzymes out of its membranes. The cell then, in effect, digests itself. The effect of autolysis is usually lessened in organelles separated from a cell using cell fractionation, usually by keeping the organelle in the same conditions it was in before removal; usually keeping organelles as 'ice-cold isotonic buffers'.
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Autolysis /au·tol·y·sis/ 1. spontaneous disintegration of cells or tissues by autologous enzymes, as occurs after death and in some pathologic [more]Autolysis - Community and Resources

Noun
1. lysis (self-digestion) of tissues when they are detached from the organism
(hypernym) lysis

noun
action of cells destroying themselves with their own enzymes