Lysozyme (Noun)
Meaning
An enzyme found in saliva and sweat and tears that destroys the cell walls of certain bacteria.
Classification
Nouns denoting substances.
Examples
- Lysozyme is an enzyme found in human saliva that helps protect against bacterial infections by breaking down the cell walls of certain bacteria.
- The antibacterial properties of lysozyme in tears help to prevent eye infections by destroying the cell walls of invading bacteria.
- Researchers have been studying the structure and function of lysozyme in an effort to develop new antibacterial treatments.
- Lysozyme is also found in the sweat of many animals, where it serves as a natural defense against bacterial infections.
- The presence of lysozyme in human saliva is one reason why mouthwashes that contain antibacterial ingredients may not be as effective as previously thought.