Cellulose degradation by one mesophilic strain Caulobacter sp. FMC1 under both aerobic and anaerobic conditions

► A mesophilic and cellulolytic bacterium Caulobacter sp. FMC1 was isolated. ► This strain could degrade cellulose both aerobically and anaerobically. ► Ethanol was the main fermentative product under anaerobic incubation on cellulose. ► The strain had advantages to utilize cellulose in redox-fluctuating environments. ► The strain provided clue to optimize cellulose bioconversion process.