exoenzyme
/ˌɛksoʊˈɛnzaɪm/
noun
- An enzyme that is released by a cell and works outside the cell, breaking down substances in the surrounding environment.
- Bacteria produce exoenzymes to digest food outside their cells before absorbing it.
- The exoenzyme helps break down complex molecules into simpler ones that the organism can use.
- Scientists study exoenzymes to understand how pathogens damage host tissues.