EC number: EC 3.2.1.17

CAS number: 9001-63-2

/ˈlaɪ səˌzaɪm/

noun

An enzyme which hydrolyses the (1→4)-β-linkages between N-acetylmuramic acid and N-acetylglucosamine in peptidoglycan. Lysozyme can therefore cause lysis of cells whose peptidoglycan is accessible to enzyme action. Lysozyme is found in the secretions of animals and in certain plants.