Lysosomes are organelles that contain powerful enzymes to assist in destroying cellular debris and the breakdown of proteins and lysozymes are one of the proteolytic enzymes found in lysosomes that catalyze (breakdown) the protein wall of bacteria, especially gram positive bacteria, making lysozymes a vital part of our first-line defense against bacterial infection. Dr. Winston Morrow
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A lysosome is a membrane-bound organelle found in eukaryotic cells that contains enzymes responsible for breaking down cellular waste and debris. Lysozyme, on the other hand, is an enzyme found in tears, saliva, and mucus that helps protect the body by breaking down bacterial cell walls. The main difference is that lysosomes are organelles within cells, while lysozyme is an enzyme found outside of cells in bodily fluids.
Yes, lysozyme is a protein.
Bacterial cell walls contain a layer of peptidoglycan, which is the specific site that lysozyme attacks.The layer contains alternating molecules called N-acetylglucosamine and N-acetylmuramic acid.These molecules form a strong chain that acts as the backbone for the cell wall. The link between the two is cleaved by lysozyme. Once this chain is broken by lysozyme, it results in bacterial death.
Lysozyme works by damaging bacterial cell walls, causing them to rupture. Viruses do not have cell walls, so lysozyme cannot target or affect them in the same way it does bacteria. This is why lysozyme is not effective against viruses.
Saliva contains lysozyme, which is an antibacterial enzyme that helps protect the mouth from bacterial infections.
Yes, a lysosome is a membrane-bound organelle found in animal cells.