ISOLATION, SCREENING AND IDENTIFICATION OF CELLULASE PRODUCING FUNGI FROM VARIOUS REGIONS OF AGRA DISTRICT.

Enzymes may hydrolyse cellulose to produce glucose, which is then utilized to make ethanol, organic acids and other compounds. Cellulases are a class of hydrolytic enzymes that can break down cellulose, the most prevalent organic polymer, into smaller sugar molecules like glucose subunits. Due to its exorbitant price and low specific activity, cellulase accounts for only 50% of the total cost of hydrolysis. This enzyme is employed in a variety of industries, including the food, beverage, textile, laundry, paper and pulp sectors. As a result, extensive research has been done to find new microorganisms that produce cellulose enzymes more effectively and with higher specific activity. The evaluation of cellulase producing fungi isolated from various soil samples obtained at chosen sites in the Agra district was the main goal of this study. Using carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) agar medium, a total of 18 fungi were isolated in the form of pure colonies and tested for cellulose degrading abilities based on the presence of clear zones. Seven of the 18 fungal strains that were isolated were found to have cellulolytic activity. Endoglucanase "CMCase" (carboxymethyl cellulase) measured the cellulase activity. After quantitative assay it was found that isolated fungi SF3 had highest cellulase activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]