Definition of Phospholipase

Phospholipase: An enzyme that catalyzes the splitting of a phospholipid molecule by the addition of water. Also called a lecithinase.

There are a number of phospholipases. They are grouped on the basis of the specific chemical bond they split. The phospholipases include phospholipase A1 (PLA1), phospholipase A2 (PLA2), phospholipase C, and phospholipase D.