Gabriel Cobo

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)
To the hydrolyses compound
2. What are the sub-units (monomers) of which enzymes such as lysozyme, and
other proteins are composed? (1)
The sub-units are called amino acids
3. Explain the significance and role of the region labelled 'Active site cleft'. (4)
Is where most of the chemical reaction occurs, it is also a small part in the
enzyme where the substrates linked and make a chemical reaction.
4. Why do you think lysozyme is found in saliva and tears? (3)
Because it helps to kill bacteria
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)
Gabriel Cobo
This means that if there is a bigger concentration of lysozyme the bacteria cell
wall will be broken open easier and will lose its yellow colour. This shows that
bacteria has a bigger concentration of lysozyme because it more coloured that
tears.
6. Explain why enzymes can be effective in very small amounts. (2)
Because they can recycle and could help speed up lots of reactions and also they
wouldnt be destroyed.

TOTAL 16