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Science 31 March 1978:
Vol. 199. no. 4336, pp. 1453 - 1455
DOI: 10.1126/science.199.4336.1453
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Articles

Cellulose Digestion in the Midgut of the Fungus-Growing Termite Macrotermes natalensis: The Role of Acquired Digestive Enzymes

MICHAEL M. MARTIN 1 and JOAN S. MARTIN 1

1 Department of Zoology, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa 2001, and Departments of Chemistry and Experimental Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor 48109

The midguts of adult workers of the higher termite species Macrotermes natalensis contain the entire set of digestive enzymes required for the digestion of native cellulose. The Cx-cellulases and the beta-glucosidases are produced, at least in part, by the termite's own midgut epithelium and salivary glands. The C1-cellulases, on the other hand, are acquired by the termites when they feed on a fungus that grows in their nests. We propose that the involvement of acquired digestive enzymes could serve as the basis for a general strategy of resource utilization and further suggest that the acquisition of digestive enzymes may be a widespread phenomenon among mycophagous invertebrates.

Submitted on August 18, 1977
Revised on December 28, 1977


THIS ARTICLE HAS BEEN CITED BY OTHER ARTICLES:
Symbiotic Fungi Produce Laccases Potentially Involved in Phenol Degradation in Fungus Combs of Fungus-Growing Termites in Thailand.
Y. Taprab, T. Johjima, Y. Maeda, S. Moriya, S. Trakulnaleamsai, N. Noparatnaraporn, M. Ohkuma, and T. Kudo (2005)
Appl. Envir. Microbiol. 71, 7696-7704
   Abstract »    Full Text »    PDF »
Acquisition of Digestive Enzymes by Siricid Woodwasps from Their Fungal Symbiont.
J. J. KUKOR and M. M. MARTIN (1983)
Science 220, 1161-1163
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