Enzyme studies on the mechanism of wood decay.

Previous studies of the metabolic activities of a group of wood-destroying moulds (Merulius niveus, M. tremellosus, M. confluens and Fomes annosus) established the formation of ethyl alcohol, acetaldehyde, acetic and succinic acids by their action on cellulose, glucose and/or xylose1. Inasmuch as acetic acid has been shown to be the last breakdown product which can be isolated of the carbohydrate metabolism of these fungi, it was thought of interest to investigate the dissimilation of acetic acid, in the form of sodium acetate, to elaborate the complete phase sequence of wood-cellulose degradation by these moulds.