Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Avian eggs have evolved multiple physical and chemical defense mechanisms to protect the developing embryo from bacterial infection.
In addition to the physical barrier of the shell, the eggshell membranes contain several antimicrobial proteins and enzymes.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
The inner and outer eggshell membranes are composed primarily of fibrous proteins.
These membranes contain a high concentration of the enzyme \(\beta\)-N-acetylglucosaminidase (often simply referred to as N-acetylglucosaminidase).
This enzyme is bacteriolytic. It hydrolyzes the glycosidic bonds in peptidoglycan, which is a major structural component of bacterial cell walls (especially in Gram-positive bacteria).
By lysing bacterial cells that attempt to penetrate the egg shell, the enzyme acts as an effective biochemical barrier against infection.
Lysozyme is another well-known antibacterial enzyme found in egg whites, but N-acetylglucosaminidase is the predominant bacteriolytic enzyme in the shell membrane.
Therefore, option (C) is the correct enzyme.
Step 3: Final Answer:
The bacteriolytic enzyme found in the eggshell membrane is N-acetylglucosaminidase.