Most animals cannot digest cellulose. However, those with a second stomach, containing specific bacteria that produce β-glycosidases, can digest cellulose. What is the role of the β-glycosidase in digesting cellulose?
A) β-glycosidase catalyzes the oxidation of cellulose.
B) β-glycosidase catalyzes the isomerization of β-glycosidic bonds into $\beta$-glycosidic bonds.
C) β-glycosidase catalyzes the reduction of cellulose.
D) β-glycosidase catalyzes the hydrolysis of cellulose.
E) β-glycosidase catalyzes the dehydration of cellulose.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

β-glycosidase catalyzes the hydrolysis of cellulose by breaking the β-glycosidic bonds between glucose units in cellulose, releasing glucose monomers that can be absorbed by the animal's digestive system.

Most Animals Cannot Digest Cellulose β\betaβ -Glycosidic Bonds

Most Animals Cannot Digest Cellulose $\beta$ -Glycosidic Bonds