An enzyme secreted by or located on the external surface of a cell membrane that catalyzes biochemical reactions outside the cell.
From Greek 'ekto-' (outside) + 'enzyme' (catalyst). An alternative spelling of 'ectoenzym,' this variant appeared in biochemistry literature as enzyme classification systems developed more rigorously during the mid-20th century.
Immune cells release ectoenzymes to literally dissolve pathogenic bacteria—it's like deploying microscopic scissors that cut up invaders before they can harm you.
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