The Relationship of Lysozyme, Biotin and Avidin

Abstract

In repeated trials with various pure and impure lysozyme preps. and with raw egg white, addition of crystalline biotin had no effect on lytic activity as measured by the assay method of Boasson. Similarly no increased lysis occurred when biotin was added to avidin preps. with or without lysozyme present. No repression of lysozyme lysis occurred when lysozyme-free avidin was added to lysozyme. Avidin and biotin are not involved in the lytic activity of lysozyme. The biotin content of purest lysozyme was only 0.009 ppm. Avidin also was present only in minute amts. The nature of lysozyme and avidin indicates they may occur in impure concentrates. These 2 proteins are not biologically or chemically related. Avidin preps. were obtained essentially free of lysozyme, and vice versa.