摘要：

Mannans are a major constituent of the hemicellulose fraction of lignocelluloses. Mannans perform distinct functions as structural components in cell walls of softwoods and storage functions in seeds. Enzymatic hydrolysis of mannan involves the backbone hydrolyzing endo-β-mannanases and β-mannosidases. Mannans are heteropolymeric and their hydrolysis also requires the action of β-glucosidases and side-chain cleaving α-galactosidases and acetyl mannan esterases. Microorganisms are therefore explored for the production of such repertoire of enzymes so that effective mannan hydrolysis can be achieved. The present chapter discusses the occurrence and structural properties of mannans in plant materials and its hydrolysis using enzymes sourced from various fungi and other microorganisms. The production and properties of mannanolytic enzymes, their cloning and expression in heterologous hosts, and their application have also been discussed.

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