In a groundbreaking new study, researchers have revealed that cells routinely “self-cannibalize” their own trash in order to aid their survival and growth. This process, called autophagy, is a form of recycling in which cells digest their own components such as proteins, lipids, and organelles. It has long been known that autophagy is important for cells to survive and grow, but this new research sheds light on the complex process of how cells are able to do this.

The team of researchers studied the autophagy process in yeast cells, and found that it is an elaborate process involving multiple steps. The cell first recognizes the components to be recycled, and then sends them to a specialized organelle called the vacuole. The vacuole then breaks the material down into smaller pieces, which are then recycled and used to build new proteins and other components.

This research is important because it provides new insight into the complex process of autophagy and how it can help cells to survive and grow. This study may open up new possibilities for treatments of diseases related to autophagy, and could also help to increase our understanding of the inner workings of cells.

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source: Phys.org