A beta-glucosidase gene downstream of the cellulose synthase operon in cellulose-producing Acetobacter

An open reading frame was found 214 bp downstream of the cellulose synthase operon of Acetobacter. The encoded amino acid sequence was found to be similar to some beta-glucosidases (G3ases). We detected G3ase activity in the culture medium and analysis of the N-terminal amino acid sequence showed that this gene encodes the enzyme. Therefore, it is possible that this region is a gene cluster for cellulose synthesis.