cellulase

[sel-yuh-leys, -leyz]

noun

Biochemistry.

1. any of several enzymes, produced primarily by fungi and bacteria, that catalyze the hydrolysis of cellulose.

cellulase

/ ˈsɛljʊˌleɪz /

noun

1. any enzyme that converts cellulose to the disaccharide cellobiose

cellulase

1. Any of several enzymes produced chiefly by fungi, bacteria, and protozoans that catalyze the breakdown of cellulose. Protozoans in the guts of termites produce the cellulase needed for the termites to digest wood.

Word History and Origins

Origin of cellulase¹

First recorded in 1900–05; cellul(ose) + -ase

Word History and Origins

Origin of cellulase¹

C20: from _cellulose + _-ase

Example Sentences

The researchers specifically studied the effect of a fungal cellulase enzyme called Cel7A.

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To slow down the ripening process at home, you can just toss it in the fridge, delaying its production of cellulase.

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In fact, T. reesei has a long history of safe use in industrial-scale production of carbohydrase enzymes, such as cellulase, which plays an important role in fermentation processes during winemaking.

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Instead, he went online and bought a bottle of cellulase—the enzyme that rumen bacteria use to break down grass in the first place.

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He would use cellulase in his artificial goat rumen.

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