Cellulase activities in different castes of two termites: Reticulitermes flaviceps and Coptotermes formosanus
黄胸散白蚁和台湾家白蚁不同品级虫体内纤维素酶的活性

Cellulase and its component activities, endo-1,4-β-D-glucanase,exo-1,4-β-D-glucanase and β-Glucosidase were measured in workers, soldiers and reproductives in Reticulitermes flaviceps and Coptotermes formosanus. The results showed that cellulase existed in three castes of two termites and there was significant difference in different component activities. Cellulase activities were associated with the species and castes of termites. The activities of endo-1,4-β-D-glucanase and exo-1,4-β-D-glucanase in Coptotermes formosanus were higher than in Reticulitermes flaviceps while the activities of endo-1,4-β-D-glucanase in workers were higher than in solders. The results also showed that the activities of β-Glucosidase were no significant difference in two species and three castes of termites.