Which of the following is the primary function of lysozyme?

Lysozyme is an enzyme that plays a critical role in the immune system by hydrolyzing the peptidoglycan layer of bacterial cell walls, leading to cell lysis and death of bacteria. This effect is particularly significant against Gram-positive bacteria, which have a thick peptidoglycan layer. By breaking the bonds between the sugar and amino acid components of the cell wall, lysozyme effectively disrupts the structural integrity of the bacteria, making it a vital antimicrobial agent found in various biological fluids, including saliva, tears, and mucus. This hydrolytic activity helps protect the body from infections and maintains overall health.

The other options do not align with the primary function of lysozyme. Protein synthesis pertains to the creation of proteins from amino acids, which is a process involving ribosomes and RNA. DNA replication is the mechanism by which DNA makes an identical copy of itself before cell division, unrelated to lysozyme's enzymatic activity. Nutrient absorption refers to how cells take in nutrients from their environment, which is a distinct biological process and not directly associated with the function of lysozyme.