The XY-linker region of somatic cell PLC (phospholipase)-beta, -gamma, -delta and -epsilon isoforms confers potent catalytic inhibition, suggesting a common auto-regulatory role. Surprisingly, the sperm PLCzeta XY-linker does not mediate auto-inhibition. Unlike for somatic PLCs, the absence of the PLCzeta XY-linker significantly diminishes both in vitro PIP2 (phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate) hydrolysis and in vivo Ca2+-oscillation-inducing activity, revealing evidence for a novel PLCzeta enzymatic mechanism.