autoproteolysis
/ˌɔːtə(ʊ)ˌprəʊtɪˈɒlɪsɪs/Biochemistry
noun
The splitting of a protein or peptide into smaller molecules which is catalysed by the enzymic activity of the protein or peptide itself.
Origin
Early 20th century; earliest use found in Journal of the Society of Chemical Industry. From auto- + proteolysis, after German Autoproteolyse.