Cellulase 342457 220886418 2008-06-22T02:10:08Z 60.51.105.41 /* Types and action */ [[Image:cellulase_1JS4.jpg|thumb|right|400px|Model of cellulase enzyme, produced by ''T. fusca'', based on PD structure 1JS4.]] '''Cellulase''' refers to a class of [[enzymes]] produced chiefly by [[fungi]], [[bacteria]], and [[protozoan]]s that [[catalyze]] the cellulolysis (or [[hydrolysis]]) of [[cellulose]]. However, there are also cellulases produced by other types of organisms such as plants and animals. Several different kinds of cellulases are known, which differ structurally and mechanistically. The [[EC number]] for this group of enzymes is [http://expasy.org/enzyme/3.2.1.4 EC 3.2.1.4]. '''Reaction:''' Endohydrolysis of 1,4-beta-D-[[glycosidic linkage]]s in cellulose, lichenin and cereal beta-D-glucans. '''Other names:''' Endoglucanase. Endo-1,4-beta-glucanase. Carboxymethyl cellulase. Endo-1,4-beta-D-glucanase. Beta-1,4-glucanase. Beta-1,4-endoglucan hydrolase. Celludextrinase. Avicelase. == Types and action == Five general types of cellulases based on the type of reaction catalyzed: * Endo-cellulase breaks internal bonds to disrupt the crystalline structure of cellulose and expose individual cellulose polysaccharide chains * Exo-cellulase cleaves 2-4 units from the ends of the exposed chains produced by endocellulase, resulting in the [[tetrasaccharide]]s or [[disaccharide]] such as [[cellobiose]]. There are two main types of exo-cellulases (or [[cellobiohydrolases]], abbreviate CBH) - one type working processively from the reducing end, and one type working processively from the non-reducing end of cellulose. * Cellobiase or [[beta-glucosidase]] hydrolyses the exo-cellulase product into individual monosaccharides. * Oxidative cellulases that depolymerize cellulose by radical reactions, as for instance [[cellobiose dehydrogenase (acceptor)]]. * Cellulose phosphorylases that depolymerize cellulose using phosphates instead of water. In the most familiar case of cellulase activity, the enzyme complex breaks down [[cellulose]] to beta-[[glucose]]. This type of cellulase is produced mainly by [[symbiotic]] [[bacteria]] in the [[Ruminant|ruminating]] chambers of [[herbivore]]s. Aside from ruminants, most animals (including humans) do not produce cellulase in their bodies, and are therefore unable to use most of the energy contained in plant material. Enzymes which hydrolyze [[Hemicellulose]] are usually referred to as hemicellulase and are usually classified under cellulase in general. Enzymes that cleave [[lignin]] are occasionally classified as cellulase, but this is usually considered erroneous. Within the above types there are also progressive (also known as processive) and non-progressive types. Progressive cellulase will continue to interact with a single polysaccharide strand, non-progressive cellulase will interact once then disengage and engage another polysaccharide strand. Most fungal cellulases have a two-domain structure with one catalytic domain, and one cellulose binding domain, that are connected by a flexible linker. This structure is adaption for working on an insoluble substrate and it allows the enzyme to diffuse two-dimensionally on a surface in a caterpillar way. However, there are also cellulases (mostly endoglucanases) that lacks cellulose binding domain. These enzymes might have a swelling function. == Mechanism of cellulolysis == [[image:Types_of_Cellulase2.png|thumb|center|500px|The three types of reaction catalyzed by cellulases:1. Breakage of the non-covalent interactions present in the crystalline structure of cellulose (endo-cellulase) 2. Hydrolysis of the individual cellulose fibers to break it into smaller sugars (exo-cellulase) 3. Hydrolysis of disaccharides and tetrasaccharides into glucose (beta-glucosidase).]] [[image:Cellulase_Mech.jpg|thumb|center|500px|Mechanistic details of beta-glucosidase activity of cellulase]] == Uses == Cellulase is used for commercial food processing in [[coffee]]. It performs [[hydrolysis]] of cellulose during drying of [[coffee bean|beans]]. Furthermore, cellulases are widely used in textile industry and in laundry detergents. They have also been used in the pulp and paper industry for various purposes, and they are even used for pharmaceutical applications. Cellulase is used in the fermentation of [[biomass]] into [[biofuels]], although this process is relatively experimental at present. Cellulase is used as a treatment for [[Phytobezoars]], a form of cellulose [[bezoar]] found in the human [[stomach]]. == References == *Chapin III, F.S., P.A. Matson, H.A. Mooney. Principles of Terrestrial Ecosystem Ecology. Springer-Verlag New York, NY. [[2002]] *The Merck Manual of Diagnosis and Therapy, Chapter 24 == See also == * [[Hemicellulose]] {{Glycoside hydrolases}} [[Category:enzymes]] [[Category:Cellulose]] [[de:Cellulase]] [[es:Celulasa]] [[fr:Cellulase]] [[id:Selulase]] [[ja:セルラーゼ]] [[pl:Celulaza]] [[tr:Selülaz]] [[zh:纤维素酶]]