Action of lysozymes on gram negative bacteria ?

Ans. is 'c' i.e., Depends on integrity of outer membrane Lysozyme is an acetyl - mura midase which cleaves bond between N-acetylmuramic acid and N-acetyl - D-glucosamine residues in peptidoglycan of all wall.Gram-positive bacteria are sensitive to action of lysozymes -> lysozymes cause lysis of gram-positive bacteria easily.Gram-negative bacteria are less susceptible and are protected by outer membrane, which is the outer most covering in gram negative bacteria (outside the cell wall) and has barrier function.However, lysozyme can cleave the peptidoglycan layer of Gram-negative bacteria if this layer is exposed by membrane attack complex (MAC or C5-9) of complement which destroys outer membrane. (Note : gram positive bacteria do not have outer membrane thus lysozymes directly act on cell membrane).