Lysozyme
Lysozyme
Lysozyme (pronounced: /ˈlaɪsəˌzaɪm/), also known as muramidase or N-acetylmuramide glycanhydrolase, is an enzyme that damages bacterial cell walls by catalyzing hydrolysis of 1,4-beta-linkages between N-acetylmuramic acid and N-acetyl-D-glucosamine residues in a peptidoglycan and between N-acetyl-D-glucosamine residues in chitodextrin.
Etymology
The term "lysozyme" is derived from the Greek words "lysis", meaning "loosening" or "dissolving", and "enzyme", which is a type of protein that speeds up chemical reactions.
Function
Lysozyme is abundant in a number of secretions, such as tears, saliva, and mucus. It is also present in cytoplasmic granules of the macrophages and the polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs). Lysozyme is associated with the innate immune system, and it has antibacterial activity.
Related Terms
- Enzyme: A substance produced by a living organism which acts as a catalyst to bring about a specific biochemical reaction.
- Peptidoglycan: A polymer consisting of sugars and amino acids that forms a mesh-like layer outside the plasma membrane of most bacteria, forming the cell wall.
- Macrophage: A large white blood cell that is an integral part of our immune system, with the primary role of engulfing and digesting cellular debris and pathogens.
- Polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs): A type of white blood cell distinguished by the presence of differently shaped nuclei. They are an essential part of the immune system.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Lysozyme
- Wikipedia's article - Lysozyme
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