What is the purpose of adding lysozyme to the bacterial pellet?

The choice to add lysozyme to the bacterial pellet serves the purpose of enzymatically digesting the bacterial cell wall. Lysozyme is an enzyme that specifically targets and breaks down the peptidoglycan layer of bacterial cell walls. This process is crucial during cell lysis, as it facilitates the release of the intracellular contents, including proteins such as Green Fluorescent Protein (GFP), into the solution. By disrupting the structural integrity of the bacterial cells, lysozyme makes it possible to extract and purify proteins that are of interest for further study or application.

Other options do not accurately reflect the role of lysozyme. For example, lysozyme does not promote growth, store bacteria, or inhibit their growth; instead, it specifically acts to break down the cell structure. Understanding this function is essential for effectively purifying proteins from bacterial cultures in laboratory practices.