Question

What is the function of T7 lysozyme?

(a) Attacking the peptidoglycan in bacterial cell walls

(b) Inhibitor of T7 polymerase

(c) Activator of T7 polymerase

(d) Both attacking the peptidogylcan in bacterial cell walls and inhibitor of T7 polymerase

I got this question in an interview for job.

Query is from Co-expression of Proteins and Optimization in chapter Use of Cloned DNA of Genetic Engineering

Answer 1

Correct choice is (d) Both attacking the peptidogylcan in bacterial cell walls and inhibitor of T7 polymerase

To elaborate: T7 lysozyme is used for reducing the level of expression from T7 promoters. It is phage encoded and serves a dual purpose. It attacks the peptidoglycan in bacterial cell walls and is an inhibitor of T7 polymerase.