Which enzyme will you use to extract DNA from a bacte- rial cell?

Options

A. Lysozyme
B. Amylase
C. Cellulose
D. Chitinase

Answer

To extract DNA from a bacterial cell, the enzyme that is most suitable is lysozyme. Here’s a step-by-step explanation of why lysozyme is the correct choice:

1. **Understanding the Role of Enzymes**: Enzymes are biological catalysts that speed up chemical reactions. Different enzymes have specific functions based on the type of substrate they act upon.

2. **Identifying the Options**: The options provided are:
- Lysozyme
- Amylase
- Cellulose
- Chitinase

3. **Analyzing Each Option**:
- **Lysozyme**: This enzyme is known to break down the peptidoglycan layer of bacterial cell walls, leading to cell lysis (breaking open the cell).
- **Amylase**: This enzyme breaks down starches into sugars. It is not involved in breaking down bacterial cell walls.
- **Cellulose**: This enzyme is associated with the breakdown of cellulose, which is not relevant for bacterial DNA extraction.
- **Chitinase**: This enzyme breaks down chitin, which is found in the cell walls of fungi, not bacteria.

4. **Conclusion**: Since lysozyme specifically targets the bacterial cell wall and causes lysis, it is the enzyme that should be used to extract DNA from a bacterial cell.

Thus, the correct answer is **lysozyme**.