The Involvement of Cellulase and Laminaranase in the Formation of Pythium Protoplasts

Abstract

SUMMARY: Five inducible streptomycete lytic enzyme complexes were equally capable of producing protoplasts from a Pythium sp. strain PRL 2142, when compared on a quantitative basis. Both cellulase and laminaranase from various microbial sources were required to produce the protoplasts under standard conditions. Protease was not required; lipase shortened the survival time of protoplasts. It was concluded from an analysis of the products of enzymic hydrolyses that Pythium sp. PRL 2142 cell wall contained cellulose, β-D-(1→3) glucan, and a β-D-(1→3) glucan possessing D-glucose units attached by β-(1→6)-linkages.