Exoenzyme

An exoenzyme, or extracellular enzyme, is an enzyme that is secreted by a cell and that works outside of that cell. It is usually used for breaking up large molecules that would not be able to enter the cell otherwise.

This term is also often used to refer to the hydrolytic digestive enzymes secreted by fungi.

Examples of extracellular enzymes:

• Amylase
• ACE: generation of angiotensin-II
• Lipoprotein lipase: release of lipids from circulating lipoproteins
• Digestive enzymes: breakdown of ingested nutrients
• Some clotting factors: e.g. thrombin

See also

• Endoenzyme