Decomposition of Cellulose 



11 



tions of decomposition. Tlie aerobic bacteria and fungi break down 

 the cellulose completely, producing only 'COo, some slimy material, 

 certain pigments, and a considerable amount of microbial cell sub- 

 stance. As much as 30-40 per cent of the cellulose decomposed may 

 be converted into the cell material of the organisms decomposing 

 the cellulose. 



175 



150 



125 



5 100 - 



g 75 - 



50 - 



25 



Total Cold-water- Hemi- Cellulose Lignin 



material soluble celluloses 



Crude 

 protein 



Fig. 51. Course of decomposition of \arious chemical constituents of corn 

 sto\er under aerobic conditions (from Tenney and Waksman). 



Anaerobic bacteria, howexer, decompose the cellulose with the 

 formation of \arious organic acids and alcohols in accordance with 

 the following reactions: 



(CgHioOs),, + (n - IjHsO = nL^U.^Oe 



Cellulose Glucose 



CeHisOe - C3H0O3 + C2H5OH + CO2 



Lactic 

 acid 



Ethyl 

 alcohol 



2C2H5OH = C2H4O2 + 2CH4 



Ethyl Acetic 



alcohol acid 



Methane 



The animal forms capal)le of utilizing cellulose as a foodstuff range 

 from termites and other wood-destroying insects to herbi\orous ani- 



