Viruses use which of the following enzymes for the breakdown of the bacterial cell wall?

Correct answer: A. Lysozyme

  • A. Lysozyme
  • B. Lipases
  • C. Proteases
  • D. Nucleases

Explanation

Bacteriophages use lysozyme to destroy the bacterial cell wall because peptidoglycan is made of alternating NAG-NAM sugars linked by β-1,4 glycosidic bonds, and lysozyme specifically hydrolyzes these bonds, causing lysis. Lipases, proteases, and nucleases are ineffective since they act on lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids, respectively, which are not the main structural components of the bacterial wall. For example, just as a key is designed to open a specific lock, lysozyme is the precise "key" for breaking peptidoglycan, while the other enzymes do not fit this purpose.

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