Xylanase

From Freepedia

Xylanase is the name given to a class of enzymes which degrade the linear polysaccharide beta-1,4-xylan into xylose^[1], thus breaking down hemicellulose, which is a major component of the cell wall of plants.

As such, it plays a major role in the digestive system of herbivorous micro-organisms (mammals, conversely, do not produce xylanase).

Commercial applications for xylanase include the chlorine-free bleaching of wood pulp in the papermaking process, and the increased digestibility of silage (in this aspect, it is also used for fermentative composting).

References

• ^  {{{Author|}}}{{|{{{3}}}}}}|show1| (1997)}}{{{{{Year|}}}}}}|show1|.}} {{|{{{3}}}}}}|show1|[{{{URL}}}}} Methods in Plant Biochemistry and Molecular Biology{{|{{{3}}}}}}|show1|]}}{{|{{{3}}}}}}|show1|, {{{Pages}}}}}{{|{{{3}}}}}}|Show1|, CRC Press}}. {{{ID|}}} p. 313 Google Print reference "Xylans can by hydrolyzed by beta-xylanase"