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Animal cellulases.

H Watanabe1, G Tokuda

  • 1National Institute of Agrobiological Sciences, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan. hinabe@affrc.go.jp

Cellular and Molecular Life Sciences : CMLS
|October 2, 2001
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Animals can digest cellulose without symbiotic microbes, thanks to endogenous cellulases. This study explores the presence and characteristics of these animal-derived cellulases in higher animals.

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Area of Science:

  • Biochemistry
  • Animal Physiology
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • Traditionally, cellulose digestion in animals was attributed solely to cellulolytic symbiotic microorganisms.
  • Emerging evidence challenged this dogma, showing cellulolytic activity in microbe-free animal tissues.
  • Previous research identified endogenous cellulase components in invertebrates, but the broader significance remained debated.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the presence and nature of endogenous cellulases in higher animals.
  • To provide a comprehensive overview of animal-derived cellulases.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing literature on animal cellulose digestion.
  • Analysis of molecular biology data confirming animal cellulase genes.

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  • Discussion of findings in the context of higher animal physiology.

    • Main Results:

    • The existence of animal-derived cellulases has been molecularly confirmed.
    • Cellulase genes have been identified in various arthropods and nematodes.
    • This paper focuses on the implications for higher animals.

    Conclusions:

    • Endogenous cellulases play a significant role in cellulose digestion in animals, challenging the long-held symbiotic theory.
    • Further research into animal-derived cellulases is crucial for understanding digestive physiology.
    • The findings open new avenues for exploring non-microbial cellulose breakdown in diverse animal species.