THE 3-D STRUCTURE OF LYSOZYME

The drawing below shows the three-dimensional representation of the structure of a

molecule of lysozyme, an enzyme found in saliva and tears, as well as in some other
human body fluids. Lysozyme helps in the breakdown of bacterial cells.














QUESTIONS
1. To what class of chemical compounds does lysozyme belong? (1)
2. What are the sub-units (monomers) of which enzymes such as lysozyme, and
other proteins are composed? (1)
3. Explain the significance and role of the region labelled 'Active site cleft'. (4)
4. Why do you think lysozyme is found in saliva and tears? (3)
5. ANALYSIS AND REASONING QUESTION: When the yellow bacterium Micrococcus
luteus comes into contact with lysozyme, the bacterial cell wall is broken open
and loses its yellow colour. Explain how this property could enable you to find
out which of saliva or tears contains the higher concentration of lysozyme. (5)
6. Explain why enzymes can be effective in very small amounts. (2)

TOTAL 16