Enzymes allow cellulose digestion: bacteria

Symbiotic bacteria digest cellulose with the help of enzymes.

Biomimicry Taxonomy

	Break down >
	Chemically break down >
	Other organic compounds

Biomimetic Application Ideas

Produce cellulosic ethanol by mimicking bacterial enzymatic activity.

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[Collapse all sections] Summary

"Those that have become specialist leaf-feeders can only extract nourishment from it by enlisting the aid of a very different kind of living organism--bacteria. They, unlike any animal, can digest cellulose." (Attenborough 1995: 58)

About the inspiring organism

Bacteria
Bacteria

Organism/taxonomy data provided by:
Species 2000 & ITIS Catalogue of Life: 2008 Annual Checklist

Bioinspired products and application ideas

Application Ideas: Produce cellulosic ethanol by mimicking bacterial enzymatic activity.

Industrial Sector(s) interested in this strategy: Ethanol industry, bioremediation

References

Attenborough, D. 1995. The Private Life of Plants: A Natural History of Plant Behavior. London: BBC Books. 320 p.

Enzymes allow cellulose digestion: bacteria

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