The Production of Cellulase by Talaromyces Emersonii

SUMMARY

The ability of Talaromyces emersonii to synthesize extracellular cellulase has been studied in stationary liquid medium. While this organism could not degrade filter paper, its cell-free filtrate hydrolyzed soluble carboxymethyl cellulose to reducing sugars. Hence it was suggested that T. emersonii was able to synthesize the C_x, but not the C₁ enzyme. The optimum temperature for synthesis of the C_x enzyme was found to be 45 C, while that for its activity was 50 C. The best pH for the enzyme activity was 6, and enzyme production was found to be affected by the concentration of cellulose in the medium. The probable participation of T. emersonii in the degradation of insoluble cellulose in the natural habitat and in the biodeterioration of stored agricultural products is discussed.