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ACellulomonas spp isolated from soil produced carboxymethyl cellulase (CMCase) and xylanase enzymes. Cobalt (0.1mm) and nickel (0.1mm) decreased the growth rate ofCellulomonas spp. These metal ions activated CMCase activity but not xylanase activity; cobalt being the greater stimulatory ion than nickel. A predominant long lag phase was observed in adapted cells when compared with the non-adapted cells. However, the growth level of control cells was never obtained by the adapted cells.

Cellulomonas and Micrococcus spp. grew well at 30°C, pH 7.0, and produced carboxymethylcellulase (CMCase) and xylanase enzymes. Only one species of Micrococcus was able to produce an appreciable amount of β-glucosidase. This is the first report where Micrococcus sp., isolated from termite gut, was able to produce all three enzymes (i.e. CMCase, xylanase and β-glucosidase) required for degradation of cellulosic and hemicellulosic substrates.

When the salivary glands of 10-day-old adult Periplaneta americana L. are removed, a gradual decline in midgut invertase activity is found. No such effect occurs in cockroaches whose salivary ducts are severed. An injection of salivary gland extract in the haemocoel of salivarectomized insects causes the reestablishment, to a large extent, of the normal midgut enzyme levels. The possibility of the involvement of a non-exocrine factor from the salivary glands is discussed.

Quantitative changes in the total protein in the brain of aging male and female Periplaneta americana have been observed. A significant increase of total protein and neurosecretory cells in the brain up to 5 months, followed by a considerable decline in later age, points to a direct relationship between the neurosecretory cell number and reproductive phenomenon. Higher total protein concentration and cell number maintain reproduction up to 5 months while a decline after 6 months of adult life adversely affects reproduction. This suggests that neurosecretory cell number and protein concentration are related to reproduction and thereby aging.