Stochastic analysis of stepwise cellulose degradation

Abstract

Cellulose is a linear polymer of glucose. The enzymatic degradation of cellulose can be stepwise or random depending on the enzymes acting on it. In this work, a stochastic approach is used to model stepwise degradation. The model predicts the distribution, mean and variance of the number or concentration of cellulose chains with j glucose units arising from hydrolysis at any time t. Estimates of the intensities (or reaction rate constants) of degradation are obtained by fitting the model to experimental data.