Cellulase activity associated with the decomposition of leaf litter in a woodland stream [Quercus alba, Acer rubrum, Cornus florida, Virginia (USA)]
1981
Sinsabaugh, R.L. | Benfield, E.F. | Linkins, A.E. (Virginia Polytechnic Inst. and State Univ., Blacksburg, Vancouver (USA). Dept. of Biology)
Maximum potential activity of microbial cellulases was followed on leaves of Quercus alba, Acer rubrum, and Cornus florida over the course of their decomposition in a second order woodland stream. Extractable protein content was also followed as an index of microbial activity. Endocellulase activity and protein content varied with leaf species. Exocellulase activity was relatively similar for all species. A temperature profile of cellulase activity indicates significant production of reducing sugars even at 0 deg C. A pH profile shows minimum activity at pH 7.0. In general no significant correlations were found between endocellulase at pH 7.0. In general no significant correlations were found between endocellulase and exocellulase activity. Exocellulase activity, but not endocellulase, was correlated with extractable protein. Endocellulases appear to have higher binding affinities for their substrate than exocellulases and ratios of endocellulase to exocellulase activity increased over the course of leaf decomposition.
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