Nucleotide sequence of the 5' region of the Bacillus licheniformis alpha-amylase gene: comparison with the B. amyloliquefaciens gene

In Silico Approaches to Reveal Structural Insights, Stability and Catalysis of Bacillus-Derived α-Amylases Prior to Advance Lab Experiments

[Formula: see text]-amylase is the most widely used Glycoside Hydrolase (GH) in industries for decades. It randomly cleaves the [Formula: see text]-D-(1, 4) glucosidic bonds of [Formula: see text]-polysaccharides (starch and glycogen) to release glucose and short-chain oligosaccharides. Substantial advances have taken place in research related to [Formula: see text]-amylases. However, bioinformatics study needs a little more exploration before conducting wet-lab experiments. We aimed to perform a comparative structure-function relationship study of 10 different Bacillus-derived [Formula: see text]-amylases using several computational biology tools. After aligning all the [Formula: see text]-amylases, 3D structures were made using the SWISS-MODEL. The accuracy and stability of the predicted models were validated via different web servers like Verify-3D, ERRAT, RMSD and ProSA. MolProbity and PROCHECK were used for mapping the residues in the most favored region of the Ramachandran plot. The Ramachandran plot reveals that [Formula: see text] of the amino acid residues of the selected [Formula: see text]-amylase genes lie within the favored region. Our findings suggest that all the [Formula: see text]-amylases were stable as per the validation results we got. The study has revealed clear and concise structural related aspects. This paper will encourage the researchers to include and prioritize in silico work of [Formula: see text]-amylase genes to obtain more accurate outcomes. As the output obtained in this study via in silico tools reveals the structural peculiarity and more about the catalytic domain impression, it highly recommends incorporating such studies for better results. This approach will save efforts, costs and time for researchers.

Comparative Genomics of Bacillus species and its Relevance in Industrial Microbiology

With the advent of high throughput sequencing platforms and relevant analytical tools, the rate of microbial genome sequencing has accelerated which has in turn led to better understanding of microbial molecular biology and genetics. The complete genome sequences of important industrial organisms provide opportunities for human health, industry, and the environment. Bacillus species are the dominant workhorses in industrial fermentations. Today, genome sequences of several Bacillus species are available, and comparative genomics of this genus helps in understanding their physiology, biochemistry, and genetics. The genomes of these bacterial species are the sources of many industrially important enzymes and antibiotics and, therefore, provide an opportunity to tailor enzymes with desired properties to suit a wide range of applications. A comparative account of strengths and weaknesses of the different sequencing platforms are also highlighted in the review.

The Complete Genome Sequence of Bacillus licheniformis DSM13, an Organism with Great Industrial Potential

The genome of Bacillus licheniformis DSM13 consists of a single chromosome that has a size of 4,222,748 base pairs. The average G+C ratio is 46.2%. 4,286 open reading frames, 72 tRNA genes, 7 rRNA operons and 20 transposase genes were identified. The genome shows a marked co-linearity with Bacillus subtilis but contains defined inserted regions that can be identified at the sequence as well as at the functional level. B. licheniformis DSM13 has a well-conserved secretory system, no polyketide biosynthesis, but is able to form the lipopeptide lichenysin. From the further analysis of the genome sequence, we identified conserved regulatory DNA motives, the occurrence of the glyoxylate bypass and the presence of anaerobic ribonucleotide reductase explaining that B. licheniformis is able to grow on acetate and 2,3-butanediol as well as anaerobically on glucose. Many new genes of potential interest for biotechnological applications were found in B. licheniformis; candidates include proteases, pectate lyases, lipases and various polysaccharide degrading enzymes.

Directed evolution of a bacterial alpha-amylase: toward enhanced pH-performance and higher specific activity

alpha-Amylases, in particular, microbial alpha-amylases, are widely used in industrial processes such as starch liquefaction and pulp processes, and more recently in detergency. Due to the need for alpha-amylases with high specific activity and activity at alkaline pH, which are critical parameters, for example, for the use in detergents, we have enhanced the alpha-amylase from Bacillus amyloliquefaciens (BAA). The genes coding for the wild-type BAA and the mutants BAA S201N and BAA N297D were subjected to error-prone PCR and gene shuffling. For the screening of mutants we developed a novel, reliable assay suitable for high throughput screening based on the Phadebas assay. One mutant (BAA 42) has an optimal activity at pH 7, corresponding to a shift of one pH unit compared to the wild type. BAA 42 is active over a broader pH range than the wild type, resulting in a 5-fold higher activity at pH 10. In addition, the activity in periplasmic extracts and the specific activity increased 4- and 1.5-fold, respectively. Another mutant (BAA 29) possesses a wild-type-like pH profile but possesses a 40-fold higher activity in periplasmic extracts and a 9-fold higher specific activity. The comparison of the amino acid sequences of these two mutants with other homologous microbial alpha-amylases revealed the mutation of the highly conserved residues W194R, S197P, and A230V. In addition, three further mutations were found K406R, N414S, and E356D, the latter being present in other bacterial alpha-amylases.

Expression and purification of epidermal cell differentiation inhibitor (EDIN) from Bacillus subtilis

The expression of staphylococcal epidermal cell differentiation inhibitor (EDIN), an ADP-ribosyltransferase targeting the small GTP-binding protein rho p21, was examined using Bacillus subtilis. A recombinant plasmid, containing B. licheniformis alpha-amylase promoter flanking either a beta-glucanase or a B. cereus sphingomyelinase signal sequence, and a DNA fragment corresponding to mature EDIN were constructed and used to transform B. subtilis KN2. Transformants were designated ED7 and ED8, respectively. ED7 extracellularly produced recombinant protein, which was purified to homogeneity through column chromatography using SP-Toyopearl 650 cation-exchange gel and the HA1000 hydroxyapatite HPLC column. ED8 did not grow in broth culture. Biochemical and biological studies of purified protein revealed that ED7 produced a correctly processed recombinant EDIN, indistinguishable from natural EDIN.

Purification of thermamylase in multicompartment electrolyzers with isoelectric membranes: the problem of protein solubility

The main alpha-amylase from Bacillus licheniformis (called thermamylase because of its resistance to high temperatures, 90 degrees C) has been subjected to purification by isoelectric focusing in multicompartment electrolyzers with isoelectric membranes. The enzyme tended to precipitate, producing severe smears in proximity of its pI value (7.18). Solubility could not be ameliorated by any of the known means typically adopted in isoelectric focusing and compatible with enzyme activity, such as addition of neutral and zwitterionic surfactants (e.g., Nonidet, 3-[(3-cholamidopropyl)dimethylammonio]-1-propane-sulfonate, up to 2%), mixed hydro-organic solvents (glycerol, ethylene glycol, propylene glycol) and addition of zwitterions unable to form micelles, such as taurine. However, addition of sugars, notably saccharose, sorbitol, and, to a lesser extent, sorbose, greatly improved protein solubility in the pI proximity. The improvement was dramatic if these sugars were admixed with 0.2 M taurine. Additionally, the increment of solubility (which occurred when reaching a level of 40% of the different sugars) was accompanied by a large pI shift, typically reducing the pI value by as much as 0.4 pH units (e.g., from a pI of 7.18 in the absence of additives to a pI of 6.80 in presence of a mixture of 40% sucrose and 0.2 M taurine, the best solubilizer in all the series investigated). This apparent pI shift was not due to a change of pH gradient caused by the presence of additives, since pH measurements in the absence as well as presence of additives gave identical results. The results are explained by the theory of Timasheff and Arakawa on stabilization of protein structure by solvents: sugars (at ca. 1 M concentration) and zwitterions such as taurine belong to class I stabilizers, characterized by negative binding to proteins and by increasing the surface tension of water. As a result, the protein is in a state of "superhydration", which might prevent binding to Immobilines in the gel matrix and might alter some pKs on the protein surface. In solutions of 40% saccharose and 0.2 M taurine, thermamylase could be successfully purified to a single isoelectric and isoionic band in the multicompartment electrolyzer.

Analysis of a cis-active sequence mediating catabolite repression in gram-positive bacteria

One form of catabolite repression (CR) in the Gram-positive genus, Bacillus, is mediated by a cis-acting element (CRE). We use here a consensus sequence to identify such elements in sequenced genes of Gram-positive bacteria. These are analysed with respect to position and type of gene in which they occur. CRE sequences near the promoter region are mainly identified in genes encoding carbon catabolic enzymes, which are thus likely to be subject to CR by a global mechanism. Functional aspects of CREs are evaluated.

Transport regulation of recombinant gene expression in E. coli and B. subtilis

Expression kinetics of the lactose (lac) operon in Escherichia coli are reviewed for both wild-type and recombinant cell cultures under chemostatic conditions. A unified model which involves regulation of active inducer (lactose) transport, promoter-operator regulated expression of the lac operon, glucose-mediated inducer exclusion, and catabolite repression is summarized and supporting data is shown to verify its accuracy. The synthesis of alpha-amylase with a recombinant form of Bacillus subtilis is also reviewed to point out generic features in transport regulation, the lac operon model providing a point of departure. While there are many similarities in the influence of transport on both regulating models, there are also important differences. In a chemostat system, the synthesis of alpha-amylase is nongrowth associated, while beta-galactosidase is a growth-associated enzyme. Nevertheless, transport regulation is an important feature in both instances.

Production of heterologous proteins in Bacillus subtilis: the effect of the joint between signal sequence and mature protein on yield

We have previously made a set of DNA constructs by fusing the mature part of Bacillus licheniformis alpha-amylase with the signal sequence of B. amyloliquefaciens alpha-amylase at various distances from the signal sequence cleavage site. We observed that the level of alpha-amylase production in B. subtilis depended strongly on the distance of the junction from the signal sequence cleavage site, with quite a sharp optimum distance. To test whether the effect is limited to the pair of alpha-amylase signal sequence and mature protein, we analysed the protein production in a set of constructs in which an Escherichia coli beta-lactamase was similarly joined at different distances from the alpha-amylase signal sequence. Also in this case the distance seemed to be an important factor in affecting the level of production in B. subtilis. The observed effect might depend on the modulation of pre-protein folding, which in turn could affect the secretion level.

Cloning, sequence, and expression of a lipase gene from Pseudomonas cepacia: lipase production in heterologous hosts requires two Pseudomonas genes

The lipA gene encoding an extracellular lipase from Pseudomonas cepacia was cloned and sequenced. Downstream from the lipase gene an open reading frame was identified, and the corresponding gene was named limA. lipA was well expressed only in the presence of limA. limA exerts its effect both in cis and in trans and therefore produces a diffusible gene product, presumably a protein of 344 amino acids. Replacement of the lipA expression signals (promoter, ribosome-binding site, and signal peptide-coding sequences) by heterologous signals from gram-positive bacteria still resulted in limA-dependent lipA expression in Escherichia coli, Bacillus subtilis, and Streptomyces lividans.

Bacillus licheniformis alpha-amylase gene, amyL, is subject to promoter-independent catabolite repression in Bacillus subtilis

Expression of the Bacillus licheniformis alpha-amylase gene, amyL, was temporally activated and subject to catabolite repression both in its natural host and when cloned on a 3.55-kilobase fragment in Bacillus subtilis. A subclone from which the promoter region of amyL and sequences upstream from the promoter were deleted had a low level of amylase activity. Expression of the promoterless gene was still subject to repression by glucose when the gene was present either on a multicopy plasmid or integrated into the B. subtilis chromosome. Catabolite repression occurred independently of the amylase promoter and irrespective of the distance of the promoterless amyL gene from the promoter which transcribed it. The transcriptional start sites of amyL activated by its own promoter and by a vector sequence promoter were determined by S1 mapping. alpha-Amylase-specific mRNA levels were measured in repressing and nonrepressing media, and catabolite repression was found to act at the level of transcription.

Microbial amylolytic enzymes

Starch-degrading, amylolytic enzymes are widely distributed among microbes. Several activities are required to hydrolyze starch to its glucose units. These enzymes include alpha-amylase, beta-amylase, glucoamylase, alpha-glucosidase, pullulan-degrading enzymes, exoacting enzymes yielding alpha-type endproducts, and cyclodextrin glycosyltransferase. Properties of these enzymes vary and are somewhat linked to the environmental circumstances of the producing organisms. Features of the enzymes, their action patterns, physicochemical properties, occurrence, genetics, and results obtained from cloning of the genes are described. Among all the amylolytic enzymes, the genetics of alpha-amylase in Bacillus subtilis are best known. Alpha-Amylase production in B. subtilis is regulated by several genetic elements, many of which have synergistic effects. Genes encoding enzymes from all the amylolytic enzyme groups dealt with here have been cloned, and the sequences have been found to contain some highly conserved regions thought to be essential for their action and/or structure. Glucoamylase appears usually in several forms, which seem to be the results of a variety of mechanisms, including heterogeneous glycosylation, limited proteolysis, multiple modes of mRNA splicing, and the presence of several structural genes.

Analysis of the Escherichia coli glycogen gene cluster suggests that catabolic enzymes are encoded among the biosynthetic genes

The nucleotide sequences of the Escherichia coli genome between the glycogen biosynthetic genes glgB and glgC, and 1170 bp of DNA which follows glgA have been determined. The region between glgB and glgC contains an open reading frame (ORF) of 1521 bp which we call glgX. This ORF is capable of coding for an Mr 56,684 protein. The deduced amino acid (aa) sequence for the putative product shows significant similarity to the E. coli glycogen branching enzyme, and to several different glucan hydrolases and transferases. The regions of sequence similarity include residues which have been reported to be involved in substrate binding and catalysis by taka-amylase. This suggests that the proposed product may catalyze hydrolysis or glycosyl-transferase reactions. The cloned region which follows glgA contains an incomplete ORF (1149 bp), glgY, which appears to encode 383 aa of the N terminus of glycogen phosphorylase, based upon sequence similarity with the enzyme from rabbit muscle (47% identical aa residues) and with maltodextrin phosphorylase from E. coli (37% identical aa residues). Results suggest that neither ORF is required for glycogen biosynthesis. The localization of glycogen biosynthetic and degradative genes together in a cluster may facilitate the regulation of these systems in vivo.

Endo-beta-1,4-glucanase gene of Bacillus subtilis DLG

The DNA sequence of the Bacillus subtilis DLG endo-beta-1,4-glucanase gene was determined, and the in vivo site of transcription initiation was located. Immediately upstream from the transcription start site were sequences closely resembling those recognized by B. subtilis sigma 43-RNA polymerase. Two possible ribosome-binding sites were observed downstream from the transcription start site. These were followed by a long open reading frame capable of encoding a protein of ca. 55,000 daltons. A signal sequence, typical of those present in gram-positive organisms, was observed at the amino terminus of the open reading frame. Purification of the mature exocellular beta-1,4-glucanase and subsequent amino-terminal protein sequencing defined the site of signal sequence processing to be between two alanine residues following the hydrophobic portion of the signal sequence. The probability of additional carboxy-terminal processing of the beta-1,4-glucanase precursor is discussed. S1 nuclease protection studies showed that the amount of beta-1,4-glucanase mRNA in cells increased significantly as the culture entered the stationary phase. In addition, glucose was found to dramatically stimulate the amount of beta-1,4-glucanase mRNA in vivo. Finally, the specific activities of purified B. subtilis DLG endo-beta-1,4-glucanase and Trichoderma reesei QM9414 endo-beta-1,4-glucanase (EC 3.2.1.4) were compared by using the noncrystalline cellulosic substrate trinitrophenyl-carboxymethyl cellulose.

Expression of alpha-amylase in Bacillus licheniformis

In Bacillus licheniformis, alpha-amylase production varied more than 100-fold depending on the presence or absence of a catabolite-repressing carbon source in the growth medium. alpha-Amylase was produced during the growth phase and not at the onset of the stationary phase. Induction of alpha-amylase correlated with synthesis of mRNA initiating at the promoter of the alpha-amylase gene.

Integrable alpha-amylase plasmid for generating random transcriptional fusions in Bacillus subtilis

An integrable plasmid, pOK4, which replicated independently in Escherichia coli was constructed for generating transcriptional fusions in vivo in Bacillus DNA. It did not replicate independently in Bacillus subtilis, but it could be made to integrate into the chromosome of B. subtilis if sequences homologous to chromosomal sequences were inserted into it. It had a selectable marker for chloramphenicol resistance and carried unique sites for EcoRI and SmaI just to the 5' side of a promoterless alpha-amylase gene from Bacillus licheniformis. When B. subtilis DNA fragments were ligated into one of these sites and the ligation mixture was used to transform an alpha-amylase-negative B. subtilis strain, chloramphenicol-resistant transformants could be isolated conveniently. Many of these were alpha-amylase positive, owing to the fusion of the plasmid amylase gene to chromosomal operons. In principle, because integration need not be mutagenic, it is possible to obtain fusions to any chromosomal operon. The site of each integration can be mapped, and the flanking sequences can be cloned into E. coli. The alpha-amylase gene can be used to detect regulated genes. We used it as an indicator to detect operons which are DNA-damage-inducible (din), and we identified insertions in both SP beta and PBSX prophages.

Nucleotide sequences of two cellulase genes from alkalophilic Bacillus sp. strain N-4 and their strong homology

Two genes for cellulases of alkalophilic Bacillus sp. strain N-4 (ATCC 21833) have been sequenced. From the DNA sequences the cellulases encoded in the plasmids pNK1 and pNK2 consist of 488 and 409 amino acids, respectively. The DNA and protein sequences of the pNK1-encoded cellulase are related to those of the pNK2-encoded cellulase. The pNK2-encoded cellulase lacks the direct repeat sequence of a stretch of 60 amino acids near the C-terminal end of the pNK1-encoded cellulase. The duplication of the cellulase genes and the formation of the direct repeat in the pNK1-encoded cellulase occurred at almost the same time.

A transcription terminator in the 5' non-coding region of the tyrosyl tRNA synthetase gene from Bacillus stearothermophilus

The 5' non-coding region of the tyrosyl-tRNA synthetase gene (tyrS) of Bacillus stearothermophilus is 324 nucleotides long. It contains a premature terminator and a strong promoter: these were identified in vitro by RNA run-off experiments and in Escherichia coli by construction of specific mutants. The terminator consists of a stem and loop structure followed by the string of T residues characteristic of rho-independent termination. This is preceded by another stem and loop structure which may permit the formation of an anti-terminator. Neither the promoter nor the premature terminator appears to be regulated by the tyrosyl-tRNA synthetase in vitro or in E. coli.

Structural genes encoding the thermophilic alpha-amylases of Bacillus stearothermophilus and Bacillus licheniformis

The genes encoding the thermostable alpha-amylases of Bacillus stearothermophilus and B. licheniformis were cloned in Escherichia coli, and their DNA sequences were determined. The coding and deduced polypeptide sequences are 59 and 62% homologous to each other, respectively. The B. stearothermophilus protein differs most significantly from that of B. licheniformis in that it possesses a 32-residue COOH-terminal tail. Transformation of E. coli with vectors containing either gene resulted in the synthesis and secretion of active enzymes similar to those produced by the parental organisms. A plasmid was constructed in which the promoter and the NH2-terminal two-thirds of the B. stearothermophilus coding sequence was fused out of frame to the entire mature coding sequence of the B. licheniformis gene. Approximately 1 in 5,000 colonies transformed with this plasmid was found to secrete an active amylase. Hybridization analysis of plasmids isolated from these amylase-positive colonies indicated that the parental coding sequences had recombined by homologous recombination. DNA sequence analysis of selected hybrid genes revealed symmetrical, nonrandom distribution of loci at which the crossovers had resolved. Several purified hybrid alpha-amylases were characterized and found to differ with respect to thermostability and specific activity.

High expression of Bacillus licheniformis alpha-amylase with a Bacillus secretion vector

A gene coding for the heat-stable alpha-amylase from Bacillus licheniformis ATCC14580 has been expressed with the aid of a B. amyloliquefaciens alpha-amylase-based expression/secretion vector by joining the structural part of the gene to a pool of vectors after the B. amyloliquefaciens alpha-amylase promoter and signal sequence. The recombinant plasmids obtained were stably maintained in B. subtilis and the heat-stable alpha-amylase activity rose several hundred times from the level of the donor. Eight different constructions were further analyzed. Each of them had an intact B. amyloliquefaciens signal sequence, the only difference being in a few nucleotides beyond the C terminus of the signal peptide. This, however, was enough to cause up to fourfold differences in protein yield. Possible reasons for the variation in the production level are discussed.

Cloning and characterization of the beta-amylase gene from Bacillus polymyxa

The gene for beta-amylase was isolated from Bacillus polymyxa by molecular cloning in B. subtilis. B. subtilis cells containing this gene express and secrete an amylase which resembles the B. polymyxa beta-amylase and barley beta-amylase in terms of the products it generates during carbohydrate hydrolysis. Starch hydrolysis with this beta-amylase produces maltose, not glucose, whereas maltotriose and cycloheptaose are resistant to the action of this beta-amylase. The enzyme has a molecular weight of approximately 68,000. Restriction endonuclease mapping demonstrated that the DNA inserted in pBD64 and containing the gene is approximately 3 kilobases in length.

Cloning of the Bacillus subtilis DLG beta-1,4-glucanase gene and its expression in Escherichia coli and B. subtilis

The gene encoding beta-1,4-glucanase in Bacillus subtilis DLG was cloned into both Escherichia coli C600SF8 and B. subtilis PSL1, which does not naturally produce beta-1,4-glucanase, with the shuttle vector pPL1202. This enzyme is capable of degrading both carboxymethyl cellulose and trinitrophenyl carboxymethyl cellulose, but not more crystalline cellulosic substrates (L. M. Robson and G. H. Chambliss, Appl. Environ. Microbiol. 47:1039-1046, 1984). The beta-1,4-glucanase gene was localized to a 2-kilobase (kb) EcoRI-HindIII fragment contained within a 3-kb EcoRI chromosomal DNA fragment of B. subtilis DLG. Recombinant plasmids pLG4000, pLG4001a, pLG4001b, and pLG4002, carrying this 2-kb DNA fragment, were stably maintained in both hosts, and the beta-1,4-glucanase gene was expressed in both. The 3-kb EcoRI fragment apparently contained the beta-1,4-glucanase gene promoter, since transformed strains of B. subtilis PSL1 produced the enzyme in the same temporal fashion as the natural host B. subtilis DLG. B. subtilis DLG produced a 35,200-dalton exocellular beta-1,4-glucanase; intracellular beta-1,4-glucanase was undetectable. E. coli C600SF8 transformants carrying any of the four recombinant plasmids produced two active forms of beta-1,4-glucanase, an intracellular form (51,000 +/- 900 daltons) and a cell-associated form (39,000 +/- 400 daltons). Free exocellular enzyme was negligible. In contrast, B. subtilis PSL1 transformed with recombinant plasmid pLG4001b produced three distinct sizes of active exocellular beta-1,4-glucanase: approximately 36,000, approximately 35,200, and approximately 33,500 daltons. Additionally, B. subtilis PSL1(pLG4001b) transformants contained a small amount (5% or less) of active intracellular beta-1,4-glucanase of three distinct sizes: approximately 50,500, approximately 38,500 and approximately 36,000 daltons. The largest form of beta-1,4-glucanase seen in both transformants may be the primary, unprocessed translation product of the gene.

Efficient synthesis and secretion of a thermophilic alpha-amylase by protein-producing Bacillus brevis 47 carrying the Bacillus stearothermophilus amylase gene

Bacillus subtilis and Bacillus brevis 47-5, carrying the Bacillus stearothermophilus alpha-amylase gene on pUB110 (pBAM101), synthesized the same alpha-amylase as the donor strain as determined by the enzyme's thermal stability and NH2-terminal amino acid sequence. Regardless of the host, the 34-amino acid signal peptide of the enzyme was processed at exactly the same site between two alanine residues. B. brevis 47-5(pBAM101) secreted the enzyme most efficiently of the hosts examined, 100, 15, and 5 times more than B. stearothermophilus, Escherichia coli HB101(pH1301), and B. subtilis 1A289(pBAM101), respectively. The efficient secretion of the enzyme in B. brevis 47-5(pBAM101) was suggested to be due to the unique properties of the cell wall of this organism.

Sequence of a cellulase gene of the thermophilic bacterium Clostridium thermocellum

The nucleotide sequence of the celA gene, encoding the extracellular endoglucanase A of Clostridium thermocellum, was determined and compared with the NH2-terminal amino acid sequence of the purified enzyme. The mature protein appeared to be extended by a signal sequence of 32 amino acids. A segment of 23 amino acids was duplicated at the COOH-terminal end of the protein. The putative GUG initiation codon was preceded by an AGGAGG sequence, typical of procaryotic ribosomal binding sites. The segment of DNA presumably specifying transcriptional initiation contained a high percentage of adenine and thymine residues, including an adenine-thymine tract extending over 54 base pairs.

Glucanase gene diversity in prokaryotic and eukaryotic organisms

A number of bacteria and eukaryotes produce extracellular enzymes that degrade various types of polysaccharides including the glucans starch, cellulose and hemicellulose (xylan). The similarities in the modes of expression and specificity of enzyme classes, such as amylase, cellulose and xylanase, suggest common genetic origins for particular activities. Our determination of the extent of similarity between these glucanases suggests that such data may be of very limited use in describing the early evolution of these proteins. The great diversity of these proteins does allow identification of their most highly conserved (and presumably functionally important) regions.