InterPro: IPR016288 1, 4-beta cellobiohydrolase

O-Glycosyl hydrolases EC:3.2.1. are a widespread group of enzymes that hydrolyse the glycosidic bond between two or more carbohydrates, or between a carbohydrate and a non-carbohydrate moiety. A classification system for glycosyl hydrolases, based on sequence similarity, has led to the definition of 85 different families [1, 2, 3]. This classification is available on the CAZy (CArbohydrate-Active EnZymes) web site [4]. Because the fold of proteins is better conserved than their sequences, some of the families can be grouped in clans.

The 1,4-beta cellobiohydrolase family plays a central role in the recycling of plant biomass. The biological conversion of cellulose to glucose generally requires three types of hydrolytic enzymes: Endoglucanases, which cut internal beta-1,4-glucosidic bonds; Exocellobiohydrolases that cut the dissaccharide cellobiose from the non-reducing end of the cellulose polymer chain; and Beta-1,4-glucosidases, which hydrolyze the cellobiose and other short cello-oligosaccharides to glucose.