Relating to enzymes that are produced and secreted outside of cells to break down materials in the environment.
From Greek 'exo-' meaning 'outside' combined with 'enzymic,' derived from 'enzyme' (from Greek 'en-' in + 'zyme' ferment). The term describes enzymes that work extracellularly rather than within cells.
Fungi and bacteria use exoenzymic enzymes like cellulases to break down wood and plant matter outside their bodies—essentially digesting their food before eating it, which is how they can feast on things we can't!
Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.