Question

Lysozyme that is present in perspiration, saliva and tears, destroys

• A. All viruses
• B. Certain types of bacteria
• C. Most virus infected cells
• D. Certain fungi

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Lysozyme is an antibacterial enzyme with natural antibiotic properties. Normally excreted in the tears, nasal mucus, milk, and saliva in most animals, lysozyme is part of the body's first natural defence against bacteria and viruses. Lysozyme is an enzyme that degrade the polysaccharide protective coating on the surface of many bacteria and viruses (glycoprotein covering) to allow other enzymes and antibodies to find their appropriate attachment sight. Most of the bacteria affected by lysozyme are not pathogenic. Lysozyme serves as a non-specific innate opsonin by binding to the bacterial surface, reducing the negative charge and facilitating phagocytosis of the bacterium before opsonins from the acquired immune system arrive at the scene. In other words, lysozyme makes it easier for phagocytic white blood cells to engulf bacteria.