ENDOLYSIN Meaning and
Definition
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An endolysin is a type of enzyme that plays a vital role in the life cycle of bacteriophages, which are viruses that infect bacteria. Also known as muralytic enzymes or lysins, endolysins are primarily responsible for host cell lysis, or the process of breaking down the bacterial cell wall from within.
Endolysins are secreted by bacteriophages during the later stages of the lytic cycle, which is the phase during which the phage replicates within the host bacterium. Once produced, endolysins function by specifically targeting and degrading peptidoglycan, a structural component of the bacterial cell wall. This enzymatic activity causes the cell wall to weaken and eventually rupture, leading to the release of progeny phages into the environment.
Endolysins have garnered significant interest in recent years due to their potential applications in various fields, including medicine and agriculture. Their ability to lyse specific bacteria makes them attractive candidates for the development of novel therapeutic agents, particularly for combating antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections. Additionally, these enzymes have shown promise as biocontrol agents against harmful bacteria in agricultural settings.
In summary, endolysins are enzymes produced by bacteriophages that facilitate bacterial cell lysis by breaking down the peptidoglycan component of the cell wall. Their unique characteristics make them valuable tools for potential therapeutic and agricultural applications.
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A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for ENDOLYSIN
- wndolysin
- sndolysin
- dndolysin
- rndolysin
- 4ndolysin
- 3ndolysin
- ebdolysin
- emdolysin
- ejdolysin
- ehdolysin
- ensolysin
- enxolysin
- encolysin
- enfolysin
- enrolysin
- eneolysin
- endilysin
- endklysin
- endllysin
- endplysin
Etymology of ENDOLYSIN
The word "endolysin" is derived from two different origins: "endo-" and "-lysin".
1. "Endo-" is a prefix that comes from the Greek word "endon", meaning "within" or "inside". In scientific terminology, "endo-" is commonly used to suggest something that is internal, inner, or inside a particular structure.
2. "-Lysin" is derived from the Greek word "lysis", meaning "a loosening" or "a dissolution". In biology, "lysis" refers to the breaking down or destruction of cells.
Therefore, when combined, "endolysin" refers to an enzyme or protein that is involved in the lysis or destruction of bacterial cells from within or inside.
Similar spelling words for ENDOLYSIN
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