Studies on β [beta]-glucans and β [beta]-glucoside hydrolases

Deposited with permission of the author. © 1962 Dr. Adrienne Elizabeth ClarkeInvestigations of the enzymes hydrolysing β-glucosidic linkages have been stimulated by interest in the hydrolysis of naturally occurring β-glucosides and β-glucans, and particularly in the last twenty years, by the appreciation of the economic significance of cellulose degradation. Enzyme systems hydrolysing β-glucosidic linkages have been found in animals, plants, fungi and bacteria. Fungi, in particular, produce a complex mixture of enzymes among which are a group of enzymes capable of hydrolysing β-glucosidic linkages. These β-glucoside hydrolases are presumably part of the equipment of the saprophytic forms for existence in a changing and competitive environment, and of the plant pathogens for penetration of the host cell wal.(Open document for complete abstract