The Production of Cellulase byTalaromyces Emersonii

Abstract

The ability of Talaromyces emersonii to synthesize extracellular cellulase has been studied in stationary liquid medium. While this organism could not degrade filter paper, its cell-free filtrate hydrolyzed soluble carboxymethyl cellulose to reducing sugars. Hence it was suggested that T. emersonii was able to synthesize the C,, but not the C1 enzyme. The optimum temperature for synthesis of the Cx enzyme was found to be 45 C, while that for its activity was 50 C. The best pH for the enzyme activity was 6, and enzyme production was found to be affected by the concentration of cellulose in the medium. The probable participation of T. emersonii in the degradation of insoluble cellulose in the natural habitat and in the biodeterioration of stored agricultural products is discussed.