The Enzyme Lysozyme is Critical for Which of the Stages

Question

The enzyme lysozyme is critical for which of the stages of a bacteriophage T4 infection cycle?
A) entry
B) assembly
C) entry and release
D) synthesis
E) attachment

Accepted Answer

Lysozyme is critical for both the entry and release stages of a bacteriophage T4 infection cycle. In the entry stage, lysozyme weakens the peptidoglycan layer of the bacterial cell wall, allowing the phage to inject its genetic material into the host cell. In the release stage, lysozyme breaks down the bacterial cell wall, allowing the newly assembled phages to escape and infect other cells.