What is the function of lysozyme released by bacteriophages?

Explanation

The lysozyme released by bacteriophages plays a crucial role in the infection cycle. Its main function is to break down the bacterial cell wall, specifically the peptidoglycan layer. This enzyme is usually present in the tail region of bacteriophages, and during infection, it helps the phage inject its DNA into the host cell by locally degrading the cell wall at the site of attachment. Later, at the end of the lytic cycle, lysozyme is again involved in breaking open (lysing) the bacterial cell wall to release the newly formed phage particles. Thus, lysozyme is essential both for entry of the viral genome into the host and for the release of progeny phages during cell lysis.