ISSN:
1432-0789
Keywords:
Key words Terrestrial isopods
;
Gut microflora
;
Endosymbiotic bacteria
;
Cellulase
;
Cellulose digestion
;
Decomposition
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Biology
,
Geosciences
,
Agriculture, Forestry, Horticulture, Fishery, Domestic Science, Nutrition
Notes:
Abstract In studies on digestive processes and microorganisms in the gut of the common woodlouse, Porcellio scaber (Isopoda: Oniscidea), we observed marked contradictions between the activity of cellulolytic enzymes and the number of microorganisms. The anterior hindgut exhibited the highest cellulolytic activity, but was characterized by low microbial counts. Due to the presence of endosymbiotic bacteria in the midgut lobes that appear to produce cellulases, we suggest that the cellulases that are active in the hindgut of woodlice are of endogenous origin.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s003740050360
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