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. 1985 Mar;49(3):622–626. doi: 10.1128/aem.49.3.622-626.1985

Cellulase and Other Polymer-Hydrolyzing Activities of Trichomitopsis termopsidis, a Symbiotic Protozoan from Termites †

David A Odelson 1, John A Breznak 1,*
PMCID: PMC373559  PMID: 16346755

Abstract

Crude extracts of the anaerobic, cellulolytic protozoan Trichomitopsis termopsidis possessed endo-β-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°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 enzymes in the nutrition of T. termopsidis is discussed in terms of the natural habitat of this protozoan (the hindgut of wood-eating termites).

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Selected References

These references are in PubMed. This may not be the complete list of references from this article.

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