β-D-1, 3 GLUCANASES IN FUNGI

Abstract

β-D-1,3 Glucanases are of common occurrence in fungi, being detected in the culture nitrates of 96% of the organisms tested in shake flasks and in the sporophores of six basidiomycetcs. The enzyme is constitutive. Basidiomycete QM 806 and Sporotrichum pruinosum QM 826 are excellent sources of β-D-1,3 glucanase of the exo-type giving glucose as the sole reducing product of laminarin hydrolysis. Rhizopus arrhizus QM 1032 produces a β-D-1,3 glucanase of the endo-type giving laminaribiose and higher oligosaccharides as the products of hydrolysis of β-D-1,3 glucans. By controlling the conditions of growth β-D-1,3 glucanases can be produced free of β-1,4 glucanase (cellulase).