Mannan depolymerization

Comparison of Endolytic Hydrolases That Depolymerize l,4- d-D-Mannan, 1,5-a-L-Arabinan, and 1,4- -D-Galactan... 

The enzymes involved in depolymerization of the mannan s consist of /3-mannanase (EC 3.2.1.78), the endo-acting enzyme, and (3-mannosidase (EC 3.2.1.25), which produces... 

The actual state of the xylans and glucomannans in the living tree is still largely unknown. Since they do not crystallize readily without some chemical modification, such as partial depolymerization or removal of side chains, or both, it would seem likely that they occur in the amorphous state in the wood. The possibility that they could form microfibrils, as does mannan B in vegetable ivory, cannot be entirely excluded.More probably, however, they occur as a powder between and around the cellulose microfibrils. Using a polarized infrared technique, Marchessault and coworkers have obtained indications that, not only the cellulose, but also the xylans and glucomannans, may be oriented in the direction of the fiber axis in wood. 

A Streptomyces sp. from soil produces a p-D-mannanase that depolymerized an insoluble P-D-mannan. ... 

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