In analyzing microbial cellulose utilization, it would be useful to independently measure the
mass concentration of cells and cellulase enzymes. Such measurements would allow
investigation of the allocation of cellular resources between synthesis of cells and cellulase,
in vivo cell‐and cellulase‐specific cellulose hydrolysis rates, and bioenergetics.
Methodological protocols are not established for independent determination of cell and
cellulase concentrations for the common case in which a substantial fraction of cellulase is�…

Fundamental features of microbial cellulose utilization are examined at successively higher
levels of aggregation encompassing the structure and composition of cellulosic biomass,
taxonomic diversity, cellulase enzyme systems, molecular biology of cellulase enzymes,
physiology of cellulolytic microorganisms, ecological aspects of cellulase-degrading
communities, and rate-limiting factors in nature. The methodological basis for studying
microbial cellulose utilization is considered relative to quantification of cells and enzymes in�…