Autolysis in the anaerobic fungus piromyces communis OTS1 : Presence of Chitinase and β-1,3-glucanase activities |
M. Sakurada, D. P. Morgavi, T. Ohishi, R. Onodera |
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Abstract |
The degree of autolysis and presence of cell-wall degrading enzymes in an anaerobic ruminal fungus, Piromyces communis OTSI, grown in liquid medium, was monitored to evaluate the effect of self-digestion on fungal biomass. After a 30 days incubation period fungal dry weight decreased by 45% and the cell wall component chitin decreased by 22%. Chitinase activity detected in the supernatant was mainly of the endotype and peaked at day 6 of the incubation. 棺-1, 3-glucanase was detected from day 4 and increased throughout the incubation period. Autolysis was a slow process, and under natural conditions it is unlikely that it plays a significant role in the degradation of the spent fungal vestative stage in the rumen. |
Keywords:
Anaerobic Fungus; Autolysis; Chitinase Activity; 棺-1, 3-Glucanase Activity |
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