A Perspective on Cellulase Research

T his symposium on cellulases and their applications represents a most worthwhile contribution. Twenty-five papers are presented from 20 laboratories. These groups represent the best talents in the field. They come from six countries distributed over the northern as well as the southern hemispheres, the eastern as well as the western. The papers are grouped into four sessions. The first emphasizes the nature and components of the cellulase system, including reports on glucotransferase and exoglucanases, the constitutive behavior of cellulases, enzyme-substrate relationships, genic influences, and sites of action. The second session focuses on the question of enzymic accessibility of cellulose, release of cellulase by microorganisms, and association of lignin and cellulose in wood. The third session probes the digestibility and nutritional potential of wood and straw. The fourth session assesses the production of cellulase and commercial applications. Co-chairmen George Hajny and Elwyn T. Reese have organized an excellent conference. The Bridge