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A ScienceDaily article says that the protein in teardrops can kill bacteria.

But how does it reach the bacteria?

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I am not sure I understand your question.

According to the article you mention the proteins in teardrops kill the bacteria which are invading the eye (e.g. also present in the teardrops):

"Those jaws chew apart the walls of the bacteria that are trying to get into your eyes and infect them,"

EDIT: These proteins are enzymes called lysozymes. Those are free-flowing proteins of the human tears. These proteins are actively produces in the lacrimal glands and actively secreted into the lacrimal liquid.

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Basically, I'm wondering: are these proteins in teardrops free-flowing? Or are they still attached to cells in the teardrops? – InquilineKea Jan 20 '12 at 6:59
I added information about these proteins into the question. – Alexander Galkin Jan 20 '12 at 8:10

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