GLYCOPROTEIN COMPONENTS OF CELLULASE AND XYLANASE ENZYMES OF A BACILLUS SP

The mesophilic Bacillus sp. secretes an array of extracellular enzymes responsible for degradation of cellulosic and hemicellulosic components of the substrate, rice husk used as a carbon source during the growth of the organism. Two major glycoproteins have been detected and partially purified from culture supernatant by affinity chromatography with molecular weights of 30 kd and 15.7 kd which were active against 1% CMC and 0.5% xylan respectively. Both the proteins differed in their Km values, carbohydrate contents and their pH and temperature stabilities. IEF gel electrophoresis performed on the bound fraction revealed acidic pI for both the proteins. The catalytic properties of these proteins were studied and their possible role in degradation process discussed.