Localization of β-1,3-glucanase in Trichoderma harzianum

Studies on the constitutive β-1,3-glucanase were conducted in submerged as well as in the stationary culture conditions, in the presence and in the absence of lactose and glucose as main carbon sources. In the absence of lactose or glucose, expression of β-1,3-glucanase was observed at 96 h in extracellular, periplasmic, cell wall bound and internal fractions during submerged fermentation. In shake flask culture, enzyme was found in all subcellular fractions using optimal glucose concentration. When Trichoderma harzianum was grown on media containing 55 kg lactose/m3 in submerged culture, activity was found in extracellular, cell wall bound and in the periplasmic fractions. The relative distribution of the enzyme in the cell is independent of the nature of the carbon source and its concentration.