If enzymatic digestion is accomplished by enzymes derived from cells other than the dead or dying ones, the process is termed heterolysis.

Here the enzymes are derived from the lysosomes of cells such as neutrophil polymorphonuclear leucocytes or mononuclear phagocytes (macrophages).

Heterolysis may occur as a result of endocytosis, in the course of which phagocytes ingest portions of dead or dying cells and segregate them into phagocytic vacuoles (phagosomes).

The lysosomes of the phagocyte then fuse with the phagosomes to form secondary lysosomes in which enzymatic digestion of all or part of the ingested cell debris takes place.

However, phagocytosis is not an absolute prerequisite for heterolysis and the latter can take place as a result of the local release of lysosomal enzymes by phagocytes.

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