Statement I is incorrect because lysozyme cleaves glycosidic bonds in bacterial peptidoglycan, not peptide bonds of antigens. Statement II is correct as interferons are indeed antiviral proteins produced by virus-infected cells. Thus, option (4) is the most appropriate answer.

Microtubule Arrangements

No, this query is about lysozyme and interferon, not microtubules (previous question). Lysozyme is a hydrolytic enzyme in tears and mucus that targets bacterial cell walls by breaking β-1,4 glycosidic linkages between N-acetylmuramic acid (NAM) and N-acetylglucosamine (NAG) in peptidoglycan. Interferons, however, are cytokines released by infected cells to signal neighboring cells, enhancing antiviral defenses like inducing antiviral proteins.

Option Analysis

• Option 1: Incorrect—Statement I wrongly claims lysozyme cleaves peptide bonds; it hydrolyzes glycosidic bonds.

• Option 2: Incorrect—Statement II accurately describes interferon production and role.​

• Option 3: Incorrect—Statement I is false, though lysozyme is correctly located in secretions.​

• Option 4: Correct—Statement I misstates the bond type (peptide vs. glycosidic), but Statement II is precise.

Introduction to Lysozyme Enzyme Tears Interferon Virus-Infected Cells

The lysozyme enzyme tears interferon virus-infected cells topic tests innate immunity basics in exams like NEET. Statement I claims lysozyme cleaves peptide bonds of the antigen, while Statement II notes interferon from virus-infected cells. This guide verifies facts, analyzes options, and clarifies mechanisms for biology students.

Lysozyme: Enzyme in Mucus and Tears

Lysozyme, found in mucous secretions and tears, acts as an antibacterial agent by hydrolyzing glycosidic bonds in peptidoglycan of bacterial cell walls, especially Gram-positive ones. It does not cleave peptide bonds or target antigens directly; its active site (Glu35, Asp52) distorts sugars for bond breakage, lysing bacteria. This makes Statement I incorrect.

Interferon: Proteins from Virus-Infected Cells

Interferon comprises cytokines (alpha, beta, gamma types) produced by virus-infected cells to alert nearby healthy cells, inducing an antiviral state via JAK-STAT pathways. They inhibit viral replication and boost immune responses, confirming Statement II’s accuracy.​

Evaluating the Statements

Statement I errs on lysozyme’s substrate—glycosidic, not peptide bonds of antigens. Statement II is spot-on for interferon’s origin and nature. Option (4) fits: Statement I incorrect, II correct.

Exam Options Breakdown

Biological Significance

Lysozyme provides first-line defense in secretions; interferons bridge innate-adaptive immunity against viruses. Errors like Statement I’s confuse glycan vs. protein hydrolysis, key for exams. Master lysozyme enzyme tears interferon virus-infected cells for CSIR-NET success.