Crystalline cellulose degradation by a strain of Cellulomonas and its mutant derivatives

Summary Mutant derivatives of a strain of Cellulomonas (CS1-1) were shown to be able to degrade crystalline cellulose (cotton wool) more efficiently compared to the parent strain. These mutants were also more effective in the accumulation of reducing sugar in the growth medium under certain environmental conditions. Differences between the mutant derivatives and CS1-1 were reflected by assay of the amount and distribution of various cellulolytic enzymes.