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The role of zinc in the activation of the enzyme cellulase in termites

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Summary

Chemical analysis had revealed an exceptionally high amout of zinc in the worker bodies of termites. Further investigation of the digestion of cellulose in vitro demonstrated that zinc functions as activator of the enzyme cellulase.

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Author notes

  1. F. T. Abushama

    Present address: Zoology Department, University of Kuwait, Kuwait

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Zoology Department, University of Khartoum, P.O. Box 321, Khartoum, Sudan

    F. T. Abushama & M. A. Kambal

Authors
  1. F. T. Abushama
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  2. M. A. Kambal
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Abushama, F.T., Kambal, M.A. The role of zinc in the activation of the enzyme cellulase in termites. Experientia 32, 19–20 (1976). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01932601

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01932601

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