Definition: Pecilopodous, also known as a pectin-like protein, is an enzyme found in the digestive system of certain species of cephalopods (bivalves). It is responsible for breaking down proteins into amino acids and other substances that are essential for the survival of the cephalopod. Pecilopodous enzymes play crucial roles in the development of the cephalopod shell, as they help to form the structure that encases the cephalop