The cell wall degrading enzymes polygalacturonase (EC 3.2.1.15), pectinase (EC 3.1.1.11), cellulase (EC 3.2.1.4) and xylanase (EC 3.2.1.8), as well as aamylase (EC 3.2.1.1) and phosphorylase (EC 2.4.1.1), were monitored during fermentation of cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) with Citrobacter freundii. All the enzymes were detected in cassava at the start. During fermentation, initial decreases in polygalacturonase, cellulase and xylanase were followed by increases which peaked as the tissue softened. There were significant (P <0-05) increases in pectinase, xylanase, cellulase, polygalacturonase and phosphorylase in inoculated cassava and the fermentation medium relative to controls (uninoculated cassava and medium) during the softening period. The control cassava did not ferment, indicating that the textural changes in inoculated cassava were due to enzymes secreted by C freundii. Studies on the effect of enzyme inhibition on fermentation showed that the pectic enzymes and cellulase were of primary importance and that inhibition of a-amylase and phosphorylase had no effect on the process.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations –citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.