Question

Which one of the following enzymes is present in animals like cow, buffalo etc. to digest compounds like paper, cloth etc.?
A) Urease
B) Cellulase
C) Lipases
D) Sucrose

Answer 1

Hint: Enzymes are the protein compounds that act on the substrate and are responsible for the formation of products. The products formed can be the result of the reaction like hydrolysis, hydrogenation, oxidation, reduction and many more. It works on the optimum temperature and pH that can vary from enzyme to enzyme.

Complete answer:
Animals like cows and buffalo are herbivores that rely on green plants to derive its nutrition. Green plant’s cell wall contains one additional component i.e. cellulose (responsible for providing strength to the cell) that is digested by one special enzyme i.e. cellulases. It is responsible for the breakdown of the cellulose into its simple form that can be easily absorbed by the body.
The compounds like paper, cloth are also plant origin substances that are why the same enzyme is responsible for the digestion of it.

The correct option is B i.e. cellulase.

Note: Cellulases are responsible for the breakdown of cellulose into simple monosaccharide like beta-glucose. The process is carried out by the hydrolysis of the 1, 4-beta-D-glycosidic linkage in cellulose, hemicellulose etc. Cellulases are endogenously produced by the bacteria present in the rumen (part of stomach) in case of ruminants like cow, buffalo etc. It is also present in some microbes, algae and some hindgut fermenters animals like horses.