What is the role of lysozyme in saliva?

Lysozyme plays a significant role in the immune response of the body, particularly in saliva. Its primary function is to protect against microorganisms, including bacteria, by breaking down their cell walls. This enzyme acts as an antimicrobial agent, helping to maintain oral health by reducing the microbial load and preventing infections. By degrading the peptidoglycan layer found in bacterial cell walls, lysozyme effectively disrupts the integrity of these pathogens, making it harder for them to survive and proliferate in the oral cavity.

In contrast, other options focus on different functions: digestion of starch relates more to amylase in saliva; stimulating salivation pertains to various nerve responses rather than a specific enzyme; and buffering acidic foods involves bicarbonate and phosphate buffers present in saliva, which help neutralize acids rather than providing direct antimicrobial action. Each of these processes is important, but lysozyme's primary role is centered on defending against microbial threats.