Research Notes on Cellulases and Saccharidases
Cellulase is a class of enzyme which catalyzes cellulose (the structural component of the primary cell wall of green plants) by hydrolysis.1 The human body cannot produce cellulase on its own and is unable to digest and extract energy from plants.2 However, our main dietary source of energy comes from carbohydrates. Dietary carbohydrates are digested and converted into energy by saccharidases, a classification of digestive enzymes which include amylase.3 Amylase can be found in saliva, which is produced and secreted by the salivary glands.3
Fast Facts:
- Cellulases are abundant throughout the biosphere and most are produced by fungal and microbial organisms.2
- The secretion of saliva is controlled by the nervous system.4
- On an experimental level, cellulase is used in the fermentation of biomass into biofuels.5
Top Resources on Cellulases and Saccharidases
- Wikipedia: Cellulose | Cellulase | Saccharidase (Saliva)
- Explanation Guide: Saccharidase
- Advanced Enzymes: Application Of Cellulase
- Medical College of Georgia: Composition Of Saliva | Mechanism And Control Of Saliva Secretion
- Oak Ridge National laboratory: Enzymes In Motion
- Royal Society of Chemistry: Sensing The Sweet Smell Of Saccharides
- Worthington Biochemisty: Cellulase
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Research Notes References
- ↑ Wikipedia: Cellulose|Cellulase
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 Advanced Enzymes: Application Of Cellulase
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 Wikipedia: Saccharidase (Saliva)
- ↑ Medical College of Georga: Composition Of Saliva | Mechanism And Control Of Saliva Secretion
- ↑ Oak Ridge National laboratory: Enzymes In Motion
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About this WisdomCard
- Contributor: Martin Dela Cruz, RMT
- Reviewer: Nicole Kinsey
- Supervised by: The OrganizedWisdom Physician Review Team
- Last update: Oct. 1, 2008
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