NCIt definition : Autophagy is a biological process that involves the lysosomal degradation of intracellular
components using it a cell's own machinery. This process can play a role in cellular
defense, embryonic development, and cell growth.;
Alternative definition : NCI-GLOSS: A normal process in which a cell destroys proteins and other substances
in its cytoplasm (the fluid inside the cell membrane but outside the nucleus), which
may lead to cell death. Autophagy may prevent normal cells from developing into cancer
cells, but it may also protect cancer cells by destroying anticancer drugs or substances
taken up by them.;