cellulase: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low (C2/Technical)Technical/Scientific
Quick answer
What does “cellulase” mean?
An enzyme that breaks down cellulose, a main structural component of plant cell walls, into simpler sugars.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
An enzyme that breaks down cellulose, a main structural component of plant cell walls, into simpler sugars.
Refers to any enzyme in the β-glucosidase family that hydrolyses the glycosidic bonds within cellulose. The term is also used in commercial contexts for products containing this enzyme used in various industries.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. Spelling is identical.
Connotations
Identical technical/scientific connotations in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency and specialised in both varieties, used primarily in scientific, industrial, and environmental contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “cellulase” in a Sentence
[Organism/Agent] + produces/secretes + cellulaseCellulase + hydrolyses/breaks down/degrades + celluloseTreat + [material] + with + cellulaseVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “cellulase” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The process aims to cellulase the waste material efficiently.
- These fungi can cellulase woody biomass.
American English
- The treatment is designed to cellulase the feedstock.
- Engineered bacteria cellulase plant matter.
adjective
British English
- The cellulase activity was measured spectrophotometrically.
- A cellulase-producing strain was isolated.
American English
- The cellulase complex was purified.
- They studied the cellulase reaction kinetics.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
In biotechnology or waste management industries, referring to enzymes used in processes like biofuel production or fabric treatment.
Academic
Common in biochemistry, microbiology, plant science, and bioengineering papers and textbooks.
Everyday
Virtually never used in everyday conversation.
Technical
The primary register. Used precisely in research, industrial processes, and technical manuals related to decomposition, biofuel, animal feed, textiles, or pulp/paper.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “cellulase”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “cellulase”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “cellulase”
- Using 'cellulase' as a countable noun (e.g., 'three cellulases' is atypical; prefer 'three types of cellulase').
- Misspelling as 'cellulite' or 'cellulose'.
- Incorrect pronunciation stressing the wrong syllable (e.g., /sɛˈluːleɪz/).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it typically refers to a system or mixture of several enzymes (e.g., endoglucanases, exoglucanases, β-glucosidases) that work together to completely hydrolyse cellulose.
It is produced by various organisms including certain bacteria, fungi, protozoa, and some animals like termites and ruminants (via gut microbes) to digest plant material.
Key uses include: production of biofuels (from non-food biomass), biostoning of denim (stone-washing), improving animal feed, clarifying fruit juices, and in laundry detergents to brighten colours.
No, humans do not produce endogenous cellulase. We cannot digest cellulose (dietary fibre) because we lack the enzyme; it passes through our digestive system largely intact, aiding bowel function.
An enzyme that breaks down cellulose, a main structural component of plant cell walls, into simpler sugars.
Cellulase is usually technical/scientific in register.
Cellulase: in British English it is pronounced /ˈsɛljʊleɪz/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈsɛljəˌleɪs/ or /ˈsɛljəˌleɪz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'CELLULose' (the material) + '-ASE' (the common suffix for enzymes, like in 'amylASE'). So, cellulASE is the enzyme for cellulOSE.
Conceptual Metaphor
A biological scissors/cutter for plant fibre.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary function of cellulase?