cellulase

American  

[sel-yuh-leys, -leyz] / ˈsɛl yəˌleɪs, -ˌleɪz /

noun

Biochemistry.

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

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cellulase British  

/ ˈsɛljʊˌleɪz /

noun

1. any enzyme that converts cellulose to the disaccharide cellobiose

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cellulase Scientific  

/ sĕl′yə-lās′ /

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.

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Etymology

Origin of cellulase

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

Example Sentences

However, the protists are able to digest cellulose only because of the presence of symbiotic bacteria within their cells that produce the cellulase enzyme.

From Textbooks

An inactive form of cellulase in human digestive tract renders it undigested and removes it as waste.

From Textbooks

Plant material is difficult to digest because animals lack cellulase to break down cellulose.

From Textbooks

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

From Slate

Plant material is difficult to digest because animals lack cellulase to break down cellulose.

From Textbooks