Environmental chemistry

Ecosystem

Mineralization (soil science)

Biogeochemistry

Nutrient

Soil water

Nutrient cycle

Archaeology

Chemistry

Ecology

Geography

Extracellular

Organic matter

Cycling

Biochemistry

Biogeochemical cycle

Biology

Journal of Environmental Management

Extracellular enzymes, primarily produced by microorganisms, affect ecosystem processes because of their essential roles in degradation, transformation and mineralization of organic matter. Extracellular enzymes involved in the cycling of carbon (C), nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) have been widely investigated in many different ecosystems, and several enzymes have been recognized as key components in regulating C storage and nutrient cycling. In this review, it was the first time to summarize the specific extracellular enzymes related to C storage and nutrient cycling for better understanding the important role of microbial extracellular enzymes in biogeochemical cycling of ecosystems. Subsequently, ecoenzymatic stoichiometry - the relative ratio of extracellular enzyme, has been reviewed and further provided a new perspective for understanding biogeochemical cycling of ecosystems. Finally, the new insights of using microbial extracellular enzyme in indicating biogeochemical cycling and then protecting ecosystems have been suggested.

Microbial extracellular enzymes in biogeochemical cycling of ecosystems