How is the enzyme lysozyme, found in tears and other body fluids, a barrier to pathogens? The enzyme triggers a response from genes to signal cytokines. The enzyme can program cells to self-destruct. The enzyme attacks the cell walls of gram-positive bacteria. The enzyme contains mucin, which chemically destroys invading pathogens. The enzyme can phagocytose large bacteria.
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Gram-positive bacteria have a thick peptidoglycan layer in their cell walls, which lysozyme can break down by cleaving the bonds between the sugar molecules in the peptidoglycan. This weakens the cell wall and can cause the bacteria to burst, leading to their Show more…
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Lysozyme, an enzyme found in human saliva, tears, and other secretions, catalyzes the hydrolysis of the $\beta-1,4$ -glycosidic linkages in peptidoglycan. Predict the effect of this enzyme on bacteria and how it may be involved in human health.
Lysozyme For the enzyme, answer: a- is it encoded by viral or bacterial genes? (In other words, is it a bacterial or viral enzyme?) b- what is the function of the enzyme? c- does it contribute to the lytic or lysogenic cycle?
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