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  1. Role of fungal peroxidases in biological ligninolysis

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    Author(s): Kenneth E. Hammel; Dan Cullen
    Date: 2008
    Source: Current opinion in plant biology. Vol. 11 (2008): Pages 349-355
    Publication Series: Miscellaneous Publication
    PDF: Download Publication  (194 KB)

    Description

    The degradation of lignin by filamentous fungi is a major route for the recycling of photosynthetically fixed carbon, and the oxidative mechanisms employed have potential biotechnological applications. The lignin peroxidases (LiPs), manganese peroxidases (MnPs), and closely related enzymes of white rot basidiomycetes are likely contributors to fungal ligninolysis. Many of them cleave lignin model compounds to give products consistent with those found in residual white-rotted lignin, and at least some depolymerize synthetic lignins. However, none has yet been shown to delignify intact lignocellulose in vitro. The likely reason is that the peroxidases need to act in concert with small oxidants that can penetrate lignified tissues. Recent progress in the dissolution and NMR spectroscopy of plant cell walls may allow new inferences about the nature of the oxidants involved. Furthermore, increasing knowledge about the genomes of ligninolytic fungi may help us decide whether any of the peroxidases has an essential role.

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    • This article was written and prepared by U.S. Government employees on official time, and is therefore in the public domain.

    Citation

    Hammel, Kenneth E.; Cullen, Dan. 2008. Role of fungal peroxidases in biological ligninolysis. Current Opinion in Plant Biology. 11: 349-355

    Keywords

    Genomes, fungi, genetics, oxidases, peroxidases, lignin, biodegradation, enzymes, biodegradation, industrial applications, fungal enzymes, biotechnology, Basidiomycetes, white rot

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