The scientific systematic name for lysozyme is peptidoglycan N-acetylmuramoylhydrolase.
Lysozyme is a crucial antimicrobial enzyme found in animals, playing a vital role in the innate immune system. While it is widely known by its common name, Lysozyme, enzymes also have more specific, systematic names that describe their function in detail according to biochemical classification rules.
According to the provided reference, Lysozyme has several identifiers:
- Common Name: Lysozyme
- EC Number: 3.2.1.17 (Enzyme Commission number, indicating its classification)
- Other Names: muramidase, N-acetylmuramide glycanhydrolase
- Systematic Name: peptidoglycan N-acetylmuramoylhydrolase
This systematic name, peptidoglycan N-acetylmuramoylhydrolase, precisely describes the enzymatic activity of lysozyme: it acts as a hydrolase (an enzyme that breaks down molecules using water) specifically targeting the N-acetylmuramoyl bond within peptidoglycans. Peptidoglycans are major components of bacterial cell walls, and by hydrolyzing this bond, lysozyme effectively weakens and breaks down these walls, leading to bacterial death.
Lysozyme Names and Identifiers
Understanding the different names associated with lysozyme helps in identifying and classifying this important enzyme.
| Type of Name/Identifier | Name/Value | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Systematic Name | peptidoglycan N-acetylmuramoylhydrolase | The precise biochemical name based on enzyme activity. |
| Common Name | Lysozyme | The most widely used and recognized name. |
| EC Number | 3.2.1.17 | Enzyme Commission number for classification. |
| Other Common/Substrate Names | muramidase, N-acetylmuramide glycanhydrolase | Names reflecting its specific substrate (muramic acid) or action. |
Key Characteristics of Lysozyme
- Enzyme Type: Hydrolase
- Biological Role: Part of the innate immune system
- Mechanism: Breaks down bacterial cell walls by targeting peptidoglycan
- Source: Produced by animals
In summary, while 'Lysozyme' is the familiar term, its official scientific systematic name, reflecting its specific enzymatic function, is peptidoglycan N-acetylmuramoylhydrolase.
