OBSERVATIONS ON THE DIGESTIVE ENZYMES AND CELLULOLYTIC BACTERIA OF THE GIANT LAND SNAIL ACHATINA FULICA AND THEIR OCCURRENCE IN THE GASTROPODA

The digestive enzymes and the cellulolytic bacteria in the gut of Achatina fulica have been investigated. Amylase is present in saliva, gastric juice, intestine, digestive gland and in small amounts in the stomach and rectum. Protease is present in gastric juice, stomach, intestine and digestive gland. Saliva and rectum contain traces of protease. Lipase is present in gastric juice, stomach, intestine, rectum and digestive gland but not in saliva. Cellulase is slightly present in digestive gland alone. Cellulolytic bacteria are present in intestine.