Activity, origins and location of cellulases in a silt loam soil

C F A Hope; Richard G Burns

doi:10.1007/BF00257653

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Activity, origins and location of cellulases in a silt loam soil

Journal article

Peer reviewed

Activity, origins and location of cellulases in a silt loam soil

C F A Hope and Richard G Burns

Biology and Fertility of Soils, Vol.5(2), pp.164-170

1987

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00257653

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Abstract

beta-D-Glucosidase

Endoglucanase

Enzyme characterisation

Soil cellulase

Trichoderma viride

Cellulase activity in a silt loam soil was assayed and characterised using a microcrystalline cellulose substrate (Avicel). Activity was maximal between pH 5.3 and pH 6.0. A 64% loss in activity was observed on air-drying the soil. However, the residual activity was stable to storage at 40°C for 7 days and was resistant to the action of added protease. The component endoglucanase and ?-D-glucosidase activities in field-moist and air-dried soil were also assayed. The proportion of the soil microbial population able to utilise cellulose was investigated and the persistence of two free (soluble) cellulase preparations of microbial origin was determined following their addition to soil. A rapid decline in the endoglucanase activity of a Streptomyces sp. cellulase preparation was observed while 30% of the original activity of a Trichoderma viride cellulase preparation could still be detected after 20 days. From the data obtained in this study it appears that the major portion of the ?-D-glucosidase activity is bound to and protected by the soil colloids. By contrast, the major portion of the exo- and endoglucanase activity appears to be "free" in the soil solution, attached to the outer surfaces of cellulolytic microorganisms or associated in enzyme substrate complexes. The low residual activity measured in air-dried soil may owe its stability to an association with soil colloids or with recalcitrant cellulosic material present in soil. © 1987 Springer-Verlag.

Details

Title: Activity, origins and location of cellulases in a silt loam soil
Authors: C F A Hope (Author) - University of Kent, United Kingdom
Richard G Burns (Author) - University of Kent, United Kingdom
Publication details: Biology and Fertility of Soils, Vol.5(2), pp.164-170
Publisher: Springer
Date published: 1987
DOI: 10.1007/BF00257653
ISSN: 0178-2762; 0178-2762
Organisation Unit: University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland; Office of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Innovation)
Language: English
Record Identifier: 99449288402621
Output Type: Journal article

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