Abstract
A $C_{1}$ enriched cellulase fraction was separated from culture filtrate of anaerobic Clostridium thermocellum by hydroxyapatite column chromatography. The separated fraction showed strong synergistic action with $C_{x}$ component (endo-$\beta$-1, 4-glucanase) in digestion of crystalline cellulose, similar to the other aerobic cellulolytic microorganisms. Unlike the $C_{x}$ component the $C_{1}$ enriched fraction was rapidly inactivated by oxidation at the atmospheric condition. The enzyme activity was significantly enhanced by the addition of reducing agents, especially $\beta$-mercaptoethanol, which indicates that a $C_{1}$ component has a lot of sulfhydryl groups essential for the enzyme activity. The effect of metal ions on $C_{1}$ activity was also investigated. The $C_{1}$ fraction was found to be thermally stable compare to endo-$\beta$-1,4-glucanase. Optimal temperature and pH were found to be 60.deg.C and 6.0, respectively.