A basic enzyme that is present in saliva, tears, egg white, and many animal fluids. It functions as an antibacterial agent. The enzyme catalyzes the hydrolysis of 1,4-beta-linkages between N-acetylmuramic acid and N-acetyl-D-glucosamine residues in peptidoglycan and between N-acetyl-D-glucosamine residues in chitodextrin. EC 3.2.1.17.
    

concept

Fab fragments complexed with lysozyme

Human saliva displaying ferning. During the fertile phase of a woman's menstrual cycle an oestrogen surge causes salt crystals to appear in the saliva. When viewed under the microscope the crystalline salt structure resembles fern leaves and can be used as an indication of a woman's increased chances of conceiving at this time.

Human saliva

On the antibacterial power of egg-white / by Alexander Fleming and V.D. Allison.

Abstracts of relations and communications : 1st nternational Symposium on Fleming's lysozyme April 3rd - 4th - 5th 1959.

Lysozyme : President's address / by Alexander Fleming.

Lord Phillips of Ellesmere.

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Lysozyme

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On the antibacterial power of egg-white / by Alexander Fleming and V.D. Allison.

Abstracts of relations and communications : 1st nternational Symposium on Fleming's lysozyme April 3rd - 4th - 5th 1959.

Lysozyme : President's address / by Alexander Fleming.

Human saliva

Lord Phillips of Ellesmere.