Lysozyme
Lysozyme is an enzyme found in various bodily secretions such as tears, saliva, mucus, and egg white. It is also present in certain tissues and leukocytes.
About
It is also present in certain tissues and leukocytes. First discovered in 1921 by Sir Alexander Fleming, lysozyme plays a crucial role in the innate immune system, protecting the body against bacterial infections. It achieves this by breaking down the bacterial cell walls, resulting in their lysis and cell death. The lysozyme enzyme is highly conserved among different species and is made up of 129 amino acids. Its structure consists of an alpha-helix and a beta-sheet, forming a cleft where the substrate binds. Lysozyme primarily acts on the glycosidic bonds of the bacterial cell wall, specifically targeting peptidoglycan, a key component of bacterial cell walls. This action weakens the structure and leads to the lysis of the bacterium. Despite its specificity for bacterial cell walls, lysozyme can also exhibit antimicrobial activity against certain viruses and fungi. The therapeutic potential of lysozyme has been explored in various fields, including medicine, food preservation, and agriculture. In medicine, lysozyme has been used as a natural antimicrobial agent, and its potential in the treatment of diseases like cancer and HIV has been investigated. In the food industry, lysozyme has been utilized as a preservative due to its ability to inhibit the growth of certain bacteria, extending the shelf life of products. Additionally, lysozyme is used in agriculture to control bacterial infections in plants. Research on lysozyme continues to unravel its functions and applications. Recent studies have highlighted its role in modulating the gut microbiota and its potential as a therapeutic target for immune-related disorders. Understanding the mechanisms and properties of lysozyme may pave the way for the development of new antimicrobial agents and therapeutic interventions.
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