Answer
Autophagy, a term coined by Christian de Duve, refers to the process of cellular self-digestion. During autophagy, cells break down and recycle their own components, including damaged organelles and proteins. This process plays a crucial role in maintaining cellular homeostasis, removing damaged materials, and providing energy during times of stress. Autophagy is essential for cell survival and has been linked to various diseases, including cancer and neurodegenerative disorders.