KINETIC-PROPERTIES OF INDIVIDUAL COMPONENTS OF PENICILLIUM-VERRUCULOSUM CELLULASE COMPLEX

Kinetic constants k(cat) and k(cat)/K-m of the hydrolysis of soluble a nd insoluble celluloses by individual components of Penicillium verruc ulosum cellulase complex have been determined. The optimal pH and temp erature for the action of these enzymes were determined and their ther mal stabilities were investigated. Properties of the individual enzyme s of the Pen. verruculosum cellulase complex and their abilities to en hance the efficiency of the other enzymes of the complex (synergism) w ere compared. This revealed the most essential components of the compl ex for the enzymatic hydrolysis of cellulose: cellobiohydrolase II, en doglucanase I, endoglucanase IV, and endoglucanase V. The components o f the Pen. verruculosum cellulase complex are shown to have high catal ytic activity. The synergism of the action of endoglucanase IV and cel lobiohydrolase II was found to be stronger than that for the component s of the Trichoderma cellulase complex.