Lysozyme is a relatively small (129aa) secretory enzyme that catalyzes the hydrolysis of B-1,4 glucosidic linkages between N-acetylmuramic acid (NAM) and N-acetylglucosamine (NAG) comprising the cell walls of bacteria and to a lesser degree chitin oligomers. Lysozyme is common in animals and plants. In birds, lysozyme is also an exceptionally abundant protein in egg whites. Its biological function in fowl eggs is unclear. Hen egg white lysozyme ''c'' is the most commonly studied form and source of the enzyme. Lysozyme from domestic goose is designated lysozyme ''g''. Lysozyme is also found in vertebrates, including human, mostly in secretions and certain tissues, such as saliva, tears, milk, cervical mucus, leucocytes, kidneys and urine, where it probably serves as bacterial agent by digesting and weakening the rigid bacterial cell wall, thereby rendering the bacteria susceptible to osmotic lysis. Plant lysozyme is found in ficus and papaya latex, and is chemically distinct from the egg white enzyme.
Intended for research use only. Not for use in human, therapeutic, or diagnostic applications.