Cellulase and other polymer-hydrolyzing activities of Trichomitopsis termopsidis, a symbiotic protozoan from termites

Journal Article · Fri Mar 01 00:00:00 EST 1985 · Appl. Environ. Microbiol.; (United States)

OSTI ID:6407363

Odelson, D A; Breznak, J A

Crude extracts of the anaerobic, cellulolytic protozoan Trichomitopsis termopsidis possessed endo-..beta..-1,4-glucanase and cellobiase activities, as evidenced by hydrolytic action on carboxymethyl cellulose and cellobiose, respectively. Cell extracts also hydrolyzed microcrystalline cellulose. Hydrolysis of microcrystalline cellulose displayed optima at pH 5 and at 30 degrees C, and glucose was the sole product liberated. Cellulolytic activities of T. termopsidis appeared to be entirely cell associated. Hydrolytic activity was also detected against Douglas fir wood powder, xylan, starch, and protein, but not chitin. The importance of these enyzmes in the nutrition of T. termopsidis is discussed in terms of the natural habitat of this protozoan (the hindgut of wood-eating termites). 31 references.

• Research Organization: Michigan State Univ., East Lansing
• OSTI ID: 6407363
• Journal Information: Appl. Environ. Microbiol.; (United States), Vol. 49:3
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

09 BIOMASS FUELS
59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
CELLULOSE
ENZYMATIC HYDROLYSIS
PROTOZOA
ENZYME ACTIVITY
CELLULASE
GLUCOSE
HABITAT
NUTRITION
POLYMERS
STARCH
SYMBIOSIS
TREES
WOOD WASTES
XYLANS
ALDEHYDES
ANIMALS
CARBOHYDRATES
CHEMICAL REACTIONS
DECOMPOSITION
ENZYMES
GLYCOSYL HYDROLASES
HEMICELLULOSE
HEXOSES
HYDROLASES
HYDROLYSIS
INVERTEBRATES
LYSIS
MICROORGANISMS
MONOSACCHARIDES
O-GLYCOSYL HYDROLASES
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
PLANTS
POLYSACCHARIDES
REAGENTS
SACCHARIDES
SOLID WASTES
SOLVOLYSIS
WASTES
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