Induction and repression of carbohydrate degrading enzymes in fungi with special reference to their coding genes

The exact mechanism by which large insoluble carbohydrates induce the expression of the arsenal of enzymes required for their complete hydrolysis has eluded scientists for decades. Several scientists have proposed conflicting hypotheses to solve this puzzle but none have provided a definitive answer. This chapter describes the various proposed mechanisms of plant cell wall degrading enzyme induction and gives a brief overview of the key transcription factors regulating them. The biotechnological importance of these enzymes has grown rapidly in the last decade as we turn to plant material to provide energy, platform chemicals and nutraceuticals. The enzyme production industry would benefit greatly from a complete understanding of the induction mechanism.