Enzyme responsible for postmortem
hemolysis is
a) Hemolysin
b) Lecithinase
c) Lipoproteinase
d) Protease
Correct Answer - B
Ans. is ‘b’ i.e., Lecithinase [Ref Textbook of FMT by Vij 5th/e p.
89]
Bacteria produce a large variety of enzymes that act on
carbohydrates, proteins and fats and break down the various
tissues.
One of the most important enzymes is the lecithinase’ produced by
the Clostridium welchii, which hydrolyses the lecithin
present in all the cell membranes including blood cells and thus is
responsible for producing hemolysis of blood postmortem.
This enzyme also helps in postmortem hydrolysis and hydrogenation
of body fat.