exoenzyme

[ ek-soh-en-zahym ]

noun

, Biochemistry.

1. an enzyme, as pepsin, that functions outside the cell producing it.

exoenzyme

/ ˌɛksəʊˈɛnzaɪm /

noun

1. any enzyme, esp an exopeptidase, that acts upon terminal chemical bonds in a chain of molecules Compare endoenzyme
2. another name for ectoenzyme

Word History and Origins

Origin of exoenzyme¹

First recorded in 1920–25; exo- + enzyme

Example Sentences

Pirhonen, M., Flego, D., Heikinheimo, R. & Palva, E. T. A small diffusible signal molecule is responsible for the global control of virulence and exoenzyme production in the plant pathogen Erwinia carotovora.

From Nature