Growth and enzyme production by Aspergillus terreus in holocellulose

The growth of Aspergillus terreus Thom in holocellulose medium and the production of xylanase and cellulolytic enzymes were studied and compared with growth and enzyme production in xylan and cellulose powder media. Hemicellulose and cellulose were utilized simultaneously by the fungus when grown in holocellulose medium. The growth was similar in the presence of xylan and cellulose powder, but xylan was consumed earlier than cellulose. Cellulose powder, carboxymethylcellulase and xylanase activity reached a maximum earlier in cellulose powder and xylan medium than in holocellulose medium.