The cationic low molecular weight enzyme present in tears, saliva, and nasal secretion that functions as an antibacterial hydrolase by catalyzing the hydrolysis of specific glycosidic linkages in the cell wall of susceptible bacteria.
An enzyme present in tears and body secretions and fluids that helps in the destruction of bacterial cell walls.
An enzyme, naturally produced by some animals, which possesses antibacterial (i.e., bacteria killing) properties. Discovered in 1922 by Alexander Fleming, in his nasal mucus. Mr. Fleming named it (from the Greek) lyso—due to its ability to lyse (cut) bacteria and zyme—due to its being an enzyme.
Lysozyme lyses certain kinds of bacteria, by dissolving the polysaccharide components of the bacteria’s cell wall. When that cell wall is weakened, the bacteria cell then bursts because osmotic pressure (inside that bacteria cell) is greater than the weakened cell wall can contain.
Tears and egg whites both contain significant amounts of lysozyme, as agents to prevent bacterial infections (e.g., against bacteria entering body via eye openings, against bacteria entering chicken embryo through the eggshell).
An enzyme found in the whites of eggs and in tears, which destroys specific bacteria.
Enzyme capable of destroying the cell walls of some bacteria, and present in body fluids of the conjunctiva, respiratory tract etc., and in white of egg. The enzyme may be employed as a means of producing a cell-free extract of bacteria.
Enzyme, found in tears, saliva, sweat, and certain other substances, that functions in the destruction of the cell walls of certain bacteria; also called muramidase.
An enzyme found in tears and egg white. It catalyzes the destruction of the cell walls of certain bacteria. Bacterial cells that are attacked by lysozyme are said to have been lyzed.
An enzyme present in tears and egg white, lysozyme catalyses the destruction of some bacteria by damaging their walls.
An enzyme found in neutrophils and macrophages, and in tears, saliva, and other body secretions. It inhibits the growth of bacteria by damaging their cell walls.
An enzyme present in tears, saliva, sweat, nasal fluids, breast milk, and numerous tissues works to destroy bacteria by breaking down their cell walls.