Distinctive properties of beta-glucosidases and related enzymes derived from a commercial Aspergillus niger cellulase.

Eight highly purified beta-glucosidases from Aspergillus niger were compared enzymatically, chemically, and immunologically. Ultraviolet spectra, pH-activity responses, substrate specificities, thermal stabilities, kinetic changes in the viscosity of substrate, Michaelis-Menten parameters, adsorption characteristics on cellulose, and exclusion characteristics on dextran gels were determined. The data indicate that the several components represent distinctly different enzymes in terms of mode of attack on substrate. The concept of partial denaturation of a single enzyme precursor is unable to explain the heterogeneity observed. Comparison of the effect of pH on hydrolysis of carboxymethylcellulose and cellohexaose suggests that a negative charge center on the substrate has a pronounced inhibitory effect on the enzymes.