Formation of protoplasts from cultured tobacco cells and Arabidopsis thaliana by the action of cellulosomes and pectate lyase from Clostridium cellulovorans.

The crude culture supernatants from Clostridium cellulovorans were tested for their ability to convert plant cells to protoplasts. The supernatants readily released protoplasts from cultured tobacco cells and Arabidopsis thaliana. The crude culture supernatant from pectin-grown cells was more active than supernatants from glucose-, cellobiose-, xylan-, and locust bean gum-grown cells. After removal of cellulosomes, the crude culture supernatant lost its protoplast formation activity. The protoplast formation activity of the crude culture supernatant from C. cellulovorans was more effective than those of commercial enzymes based on protein content.