Abstract
Solar energy, stored in lignocellulosic materials such as wood and other plants, was, before man originated, converted to fossil materials such as coal, oil, and gas in biological and chemical reactions. Our utilization of these fossil fuels gives rise to the release of green house gases, CO2 and CH4 being the most important. The formation of these gases from fossil fuels is supposed to be the culprit for global warming. Trees and other plants assimilate CO2, thereby converting it to new lignocellulosic materials. The use of this renewable resource of energy, rather than the fossil material, is therefore beneficial to mankind and also essential to prevent release of green house gases from dwindling fossil materials. The use of lignocellulosic materials in an optimal way is therefore important. Much progress has been made to facilitate this by the intense research of the biological and enzymatic reactions governing the degradation and conversion of wood and its components. The enzyme mechanisms for cellulose and hemicellulose degradation are known in great detail, and progress has also been made in understanding the enzymatic degradation of lignins.
Published Version
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