Lysozymes have primarily a bacteriolytic function; those in tissues and body fluids are associated with the monocyte-macrophage system and enhance the activity of immunoagents. Lyz1 is active against a range of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Less effective than Lyz2 in killing Gram-negative bacteria. Lyz1 and Lyz2 are equally effective in killing Gram-positive bacteria. Hydrolysis of (1->4)-beta-linkages between N-acetylmuramic acid and N-acetyl-D-glucosamine residues in a peptidoglycan and between N-acetyl-D-glucosamine residues in chitodextrins. Monomer. Expressed strongly only in small intestine. Lysozyme C is capable of both hydrolysis and transglycosylation; it shows also a slight esterase activity. It acts rapidly on both peptide-substituted and unsubstituted peptidoglycan, and slowly on chitin oligosaccharides. Belongs to the glycosyl hydrolase 22 family.