Isolation and characterization of mutations in the regulatory system controlling cellulase synthesis in Bacillus subtilis BS5 isolated from the hindgut of wood-eating termites Amitermes evuncifer Silvestri was carried out. Mutation was chemically induced using ethyl methane sulphonate (EMS). Derepression of the cellulase gene at various levels was achieved in these mutants resulting in differential rate of the enzyme biosynthesis. Three classes of mutants were identified with respect to their cellulase induction rate and level of cellulase production in the presence of high concentration of glucose (2% w/v).
Cellulase, biosynthesis, Bacillus, mutation, termites
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