Related Experiment Videos
Sophorose metabolism and cellulase induction in Trichoderma
Archives of Microbiology
|May 13, 1977
Summary
Sophorose, a cellulase inducer, is quickly broken down by Trichoderma, with only small amounts used for enzyme production. This suggests two distinct sophorose utilization pathways are involved in cellulase synthesis.
Area of Science:
- Biotechnology
- Enzymology
- Microbial Physiology
Background:
- Cellulase enzymes are crucial for biomass degradation.
- Sophorose is a known inducer of cellulase synthesis in fungi.
- Understanding the regulation of cellulase production is key for industrial applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the utilization pathways of sophorose in Trichoderma.
- To elucidate the relationship between sophorose concentration, uptake, and cellulase induction.
- To optimize cellulase production by understanding sophorose metabolism.
Main Methods:
- Radiolabeling of sophorose (3H-sophorose) to track its uptake and metabolism.
- Monitoring of sophorose concentration in the culture medium over time.
- Assaying cellulase activity in the culture supernatant.
- Comparing cellulase induction with single versus multiple small additions of sophorose.
Main Results:
- Sophorose was rapidly catabolized to CO2 and H2O by Trichoderma.
- 3H-sophorose uptake showed a lag phase and a short half-life in the medium.
- Cellulase activity increased significantly after a lag period, requiring continuous sophorose presence.
- Multiple small additions of sophorose yielded higher cellulase production than a single equivalent dose.
Conclusions:
- Trichoderma utilizes sophorose via two distinct pathways: a high-capacity, low-affinity catabolic pathway and a lower-capacity, high-affinity inductive pathway.
- Continuous presence of free sophorose is essential for sustained cellulase production.
- Fractionated sophorose addition is a more effective strategy for maximizing cellulase induction.