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The Ethanol Producers

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photomicrograph of C. thermocellum

Clostridium thermocellum

Clostridium thermocellum is an anaerobic bacterium capable of directly converting cellulose from biomass into ethanol. The degradation of cellulose is carried out by an extracellular cellulase system called the cellulosome, and continued research in this area will provide crucial information for better understanding the cellulolytic reaction--a key process in biomass conversion.

photomicrograph of P. stipitis

Pichia stipitis

Pichia stipitis is a fungus that ferments xylose to ethanol, and degrades lignin and cellulose for the potential conversion of biomass to ethanol. The lack of industrial-grade microorganisms for converting biomass into fuel ethanol has traditionally been cited as a major technical roadblock to developing a bioethanol industry. The highest yields for the conversion of biomass to ethanol are expected to come from microorganisms such as P. stipitis that can ferment the sugar xylose.

 

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