The natural breaking down of proteins? (3)
I believe the answer is:
rot
'the natural breaking down' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are singular nouns, I can't see how they can define each other.
'of proteins?' is the wordplay.
'of' indicates a hidden word.
'ROT' can be found hidden inside 'proteins'.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for rot that I've seen before include "crumble" , "Cobblers" , "Rhubarb" , "Deterioration" , "Codswallop" .)