Cellulase induction and the use of cellulose as a preferred growth substrate by Cellvibrio gilvus

Abstract

Cellvibrio gilvus produced cellulase when grown in the presence of cellulose or carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) but not when grown in the presence of glucose or cellobiose. This was so whether or not these compounds were the sole carbon sources present. Repeated addition of small amounts of glucose prevented cellulase formation in the presence of cellulose. It is concluded that cellulose and CMC induce cellulase formation and glucose and cellobiose repress it. Cellulose stimulated growth when added to organic media. Physical contact between cells and cellulose fibres was necessary for both cellulase induction and growth stimulation. If cellulase induction was prevented by glucose, cellulose did not stimulate growth.