Description
Cellulases are a family enzymes that include ß-Glucosidases, endoglucanases, and exoglucanases. These enzymes cleave the ß-1,4-D-glycosidic bonds that link the glucose units comprising cellulose. In addition to being produced by plants, cellulase activity is found in many fungi and bacteria, including some plant pathogens. Most animal cells are not known to produce cellulase; cellulolytic activity is often carried out in animals by symbionts. However, recent evidence does suggest cellulase production in some animals, such as insects and arthopods. The study of cellulase activity has many applications in plant molecular biology, agriculture, and manufacturing. Cellulase is also becoming important in the development of alternative fuel sources, as glucose obtained from cellulose hydrolysis is easily fermented into ethanol