FIG 6.

Proposed model of synergistic cooperation between TfCel9A and TfCel48A. TfCel9A appears to be best adapted for the hydrolysis of fresh BC. Its processive mode of action creates an eroded surface, which may no longer be optimal for its continued binding to the substrate. TfCel48A cannot effectively access the individual chains in crystalline substrates, but the eroded BC surface formed by TfCel9A activity provides a more accessible substrate for TfCel48A. TfCel48A preferentially hydrolyzes looser chains, replenishing the smooth surface required for efficient TfCel9A activity.