Lysozyme vs. Lysosome — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on September 21, 2023
Lysozyme is an enzyme found in bodily secretions like saliva, which functions to break down bacterial cell walls. Lysosome is a membrane-bound organelle in eukaryotic cells responsible for breaking down waste materials and cellular debris.
Difference Between Lysozyme and Lysosome
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Lysosome, on the other hand, is an organelle within eukaryotic cells, including human cells. These organelles are filled with enzymes that break down waste materials and cellular debris within the cell. Lysosomes are like the waste management system of a cell, helping to recycle materials.
Fiza Rafique
Sep 21, 2023
Contrastingly, lysosomes are intracellular structures that manage waste within a cell. They are not specific to any organism but are a general feature of eukaryotic cells. Lysosomes use a range of enzymes, not just one like lysozyme, to dismantle various kinds of biological waste.
Fiza Rafique
Sep 21, 2023
Lysozyme is a naturally occurring enzyme primarily found in biological fluids like saliva, tears, and mucus. It plays an essential role in the immune system by breaking down the cell walls of bacteria, thereby making it easier for the immune system to fight off infections.
Fiza Rafique
Sep 21, 2023
In essence, lysozyme is a type of enzyme that functions in the degradation of bacterial cells in external secretions. It serves a critical function in initial defense against bacterial infections. Lysozymes can be found in various animals and plants, acting as a universal defense mechanism.
Fiza Rafique
Sep 21, 2023
Comparison Chart
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Function
Breaks down bacterial cell walls
Breaks down cellular waste and debris
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Sep 21, 2023
Definitions
Lysozyme
An enzyme that breaks down bacterial cell walls.
Lysozyme in saliva helps destroy oral bacteria.
Fiza Rafique
Sep 21, 2023
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Lysosome
Part of the endomembrane system.
The lysosome works with the endoplasmic reticulum in cell maintenance.
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Sep 21, 2023
Lysozyme
Ubiquitous in various organisms.
Lysozyme is found in both animals and plants.
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Sep 21, 2023
Lysosome
An organelle in eukaryotic cells.
The lysosome is essential for cellular waste management.
Fiza Rafique
Sep 21, 2023
Lysozyme
A component of the immune system.
Lysozyme is part of the body's first line of defense against infection.
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Sep 21, 2023
Lysosome
Contains enzymes for breaking down waste.
Lysosomes contain various enzymes to degrade cellular debris.
Fiza Rafique
Sep 21, 2023
Lysosome
Membrane-bound cellular component.
The lysosome is encased in a lipid membrane.
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Sep 21, 2023
Lysozyme
Found in bodily fluids like saliva and tears.
Lysozyme is abundant in tears, providing eye protection.
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Sep 21, 2023
Lysosome
Involved in cellular recycling.
Lysosomes break down old cell parts for recycling.
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Sep 21, 2023
Lysozyme
Lysozyme, also known as muramidase or N-acetylmuramide glycanhydrolase, is an antimicrobial enzyme produced by animals that forms part of the innate immune system. Lysozyme is a glycoside hydrolase that catalyzes the hydrolysis of 1,4-beta-linkages between N-acetylmuramic acid and N-acetyl-D-glucosamine residues in peptidoglycan, which is the major component of gram-positive bacterial cell wall.
Fiza Rafique
Sep 20, 2019
Lysosome
A lysosome () is a membrane-bound organelle found in many animal cells. They are spherical vesicles that contain hydrolytic enzymes that can break down many kinds of biomolecules.
Fiza Rafique
Sep 20, 2019
Lysozyme
An enzyme occurring naturally in egg white, human tears, saliva, and other body fluids, capable of destroying the cell walls of certain bacteria and thereby acting as a mild antiseptic.
Fiza Rafique
Sep 20, 2019
Lysosome
A membrane-bound organelle in the cytoplasm of most cells containing various hydrolytic enzymes that function in intracellular digestion.
Fiza Rafique
Sep 20, 2019
Lysozyme
(biochemistry) A bacteriolytic (or antibiotic) enzyme found in many animal secretions, and in egg white.
Fiza Rafique
Sep 20, 2019
Lysosome
(cytology) An organelle found in all types of animal cells which contains a large range of digestive enzymes capable of splitting most biological macromolecules.
Fiza Rafique
Sep 20, 2019
Lysozyme
An enzyme found in saliva and sweat and tears that destroys the cell walls of certain bacteria
Fiza Rafique
Sep 20, 2019
Lysosome
An organelle found in the cytoplasm of most cells (especially in leukocytes and liver and kidney cells)
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Sep 20, 2019
FAQs
Where is lysozyme found?
Lysozyme is found in bodily secretions like saliva and tears.
Fiza Rafique
Sep 21, 2023
How do lysozyme and lysosome differ?
Lysozyme is an enzyme, while lysosome is a cellular organelle.
Fiza Rafique
Sep 21, 2023
What is a lysosome?
A lysosome is a membrane-bound organelle in eukaryotic cells.
Fiza Rafique
Sep 21, 2023
What is the primary function of lysosomes?
Lysosomes break down waste materials and cellular debris.
Fiza Rafique
Sep 21, 2023
What is lysozyme?
Lysozyme is an enzyme that breaks down bacterial cell walls.
Fiza Rafique
Sep 21, 2023
Where is the lysosome located?
Lysosomes are located within eukaryotic cells.
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Sep 21, 2023
Are lysozymes used in food preservation?
Yes, lysozymes can be used as natural preservatives.
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Sep 21, 2023
Is lysozyme specific to humans?
No, lysozyme is found in various animals and some plants.
Fiza Rafique
Sep 21, 2023
What is the primary function of lysozyme?
Lysozyme functions to break down bacterial cell walls.
Fiza Rafique
Sep 21, 2023
Do lysozymes kill viruses?
No, lysozymes are more effective against bacteria.
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Sep 21, 2023
What happens if lysosomes malfunction?
Malfunctioning lysosomes can lead to cellular disorders.
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Sep 21, 2023
Can lysosomes be seen under a microscope?
Yes, lysosomes are visible under an electron microscope.
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Sep 21, 2023
Author Spotlight
Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content editor at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
