Lignocellulose degradation at the holobiont level: teamwork in a keystone soil invertebrate.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Woodlice are recognized as keystone species in terrestrial ecosystems due to their role in the decomposition of organic matter. Thus, they contribute to lignocellulose degradation and nutrient cycling in the environment together with other macroarthropods. Lignocellulose is the main component of plants and is composed of cellulose, lignin and hemicellulose. Its digestion requires the action of multiple Carbohydrate-Active enZymes (called CAZymes), typically acting together as a cocktail with complementary, synergistic activities and modes of action. Some invertebrates express a few endogenous lignocellulose-degrading enzymes but in most species, an efficient degradation and digestion of lignocellulose can only be achieved through mutualistic associations with endosymbion

SUBMITTER: Bredon M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6142342 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature