Endogenous cellulase enzymes in the stick insect (Phasmatodea) gut

- A cellulase enzyme and several cDNA sequences for cellulases were isolated from stick insects (Phasmatodea).
- Phasmids produce beta-1,4-endoglucanases endogenously.
- Phasmatodea cellulase enzymes are similar to those of other polyneopterans.
- The anterior midgut of the phasmid is the primary location of cellulose digestion by the isolated enzyme.
- The ubiquity and importance of cellulases in obligate leaf-eaters are greater than once thought.