Abstract
The cockroach Panesthia cribrata inhabits wood extensively degraded by fungi. Fungal and minor cockroach endo-β-1,4-glucanase components co-eluted on Bio-Gel A-0.5 m. The minor cockroach endo-β-1,4-glucanase components were shown to be endogenous as they are present in the salivary glands, midgut epithelia and in guts from P. cribrata maintained on cellulose and starch. Fungal cellulase was not present in the gut of P. cribrata, does not synergise with the cockroach cellulase and does not contribute to cellulose digestion in P. cribrata. Fungi are not required to convert crystalline to amorphous cellulose, as both are hydrolysed at similar rates by cockroach extracts. Fungal-produced sugars are not a significant source of carbohydrate for the cockroach. It is concluded that fungal attack softens the wood, facilitating burrowing by the cockroach.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callMore From: Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology -- Part B: Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
