The gamma-toxin is characterised as haemolytic, lecithinase. The beta-toxin is characterised as haemolytic, necrotizing lecithinase. The third gene of this operon, "plcB", encodes the "L. monocytogenes" lecithinase. Lecithinase is a type of phospholipase that acts upon lecithin. It produces lecithinase, splits Tween 20, Tween 40, and Tween 80 and reduces nitrate.