What is the Difference Between Exoenzyme and Endoenzyme?

The main difference between exoenzymes and endoenzymes lies in their location of action within the cell.

• Exoenzyme: These are enzymes secreted by a cell that function outside the cell, typically on the cell surface or in the extracellular matrix. Examples of exoenzymes include hemolysin and necrotizing enzymes.
• Endoenzyme: These are enzymes secreted by a cell that function within the cell, carrying out intracellular biochemical reactions. The majority of enzymes fall within this category, and they play a significant role in intracellular digestion processes, glycolysis, and the Krebs cycle. Some examples of endoenzymes are those found in lysosomes, which aid in intracellular digestion.

In summary, exoenzymes are active outside the cell, while endoenzymes are active inside the cell. Both types of enzymes are involved in various biological processes, but they function in different areas of the cell.

Comparative Table: Exoenzyme vs Endoenzyme

Exoenzymes and endoenzymes are two types of enzymes that are secreted by cells, but they function in different ways:

Both exoenzymes and endoenzymes are proteins made up of amino acids and catalyze biochemical reactions. Some enzymes can have both endoenzymatic and exoenzymatic functions, such as the glycolytic enzymes of Kreb's cycle.