Specific beta glucanases as tools for polysaccharide structure determination

A number of interesting beta-glucanases with a variety of substrate specificities have recently been described. These enzymes are ideal tools for elucidating the structure of the wide array of glucose polymers found in nature. Since many of the enzymes can be easily produced in substantial quantities by cloning and 'overexpression' techniques, they are available for other purposes as well. For example, they may substantially increase the nutritional value of grain and other plant materials.