∞ generated and posted on 2016.02.20 ∞
Catalytic ability effected outside of cells, and particularly outside of the producing organisms.
| An Exoenzyme is an enzyme that is intended to function outside of a cell. For example, many of our digestive enzymes such as those found in the stomach or released by the pancreas are exoenzymes as too are also digestive enzymes secreted by many bacteria and fungi. |
Exoenzymes represent a primary means by which especially organisms that happen to be incapable of or phagocytosis are able to digest nutrients prior to into cells. Note, though, that even with ingestion enzymes are used to effect digestion.
Producers of exoenzymes prominently include fungi and Gram-positive bacteria. Similarly, Gram-positive bacteria also are prominent producers of exotoxin.
From :
The products of exoenzyme breakdown become available to other organisms including other microbes, so called "" or "" , and to plant roots . Some microbial groups are dominant (e.g., Basidiomycetes) while cheaters appear to dominate in groups such as the and .
Perhaps relevant, note that the latter are Gram-negative bacteria. See also .