Biodegradation of lignin by white rot fungi

A review is presented related to the biochemistry of lignocellulose transfo rmation. The biodegradation of wood constituents is currently understood as a multienzymatic process with the mediation of small molecules; therefore, this review will focus on the roles of these small molecular compounds and radicals working in concerto with enzymes. Wood rotting basidiomycetous fu ngi penetrate wood and lead to move easily metabolized, carbohydrate consti tutents of the complex. Having a versatile machinery of enzymes, the white rot fungi are able to attack directly the "lignin barrier." They also use a multienzyme system including so-called "feed back" type enzymes, allowing for simultaneous transformation of both lignin and cellulose. These enzymes may function separately or cooperatively. (C) 1999 Academic Press.