Cellulase Synergism in the Hydrolysis of Bacterial Microcrystalline Cellulose

By
June Stanley, Andrea Niemiec

Mentor(s):
Dr. Michelle Bothwell, Carolyn Baker

The problem statement was to demonstrate synergy by comparing the rate of degradation of substrate in a single cellulase system versus a dual cellulase system.

Experimental Method:

i. Make a standard curve to relate absorbence @ 600 nm to amount of gludose.

2. Run a reaction of Cellobiohydrolase I (Cbh I) and substrate and a reaction ofES and substrate to determine product formation [glucosel.

3. Run a reaction with both enzymes and substrate to demonstrate cellulase interactions.

4. After sample preparation measure the light absorbence @ 600 nm for each reactor.

Results

Standard curve indicating amount of glucose (light absorbence @ 600 nn vs. amount of glucose)

Absorbance values for enzyme reactions