Annals of Biological Research
Abstract
Author(s): Amtul Jamil Sami, Farhana Tabassum and A. R. Shakoori
Oxya chinensis Thunberg is a very serious paddy pest in Pakistan and is a major cause of rice
crop deterioration. Total cellular protein extract was able to degrade plant biomass from sugar
cane bagasse, as observed under microscope. Its endoglucanase and xylanase activities were
characterized. The endoglucanase activity showed two pH optima 2.0 and 7.0 at 50-60Ã?â??Ã?°C. Endobeta-
1,4-glucanase activity enhanced by calcium ions. A reducing agent beta-mercaptoethanol
inhibited the enzyme activity, showing the involvement in stabilizing the three-dimensional
structure of the molecule. The enzyme product was identified as glucose by thin layer
chromatography. For xylanase the pH optimum was 4.2 and 7.0-8.0. CaCl2 and 2-
mercaptoethanol are proven to be activator in lower concentration for xylanase activity.
