Factors affecting the action of cellulase

The optimum pH of cellulase is generally between 4.5 and 6.5. Gluconolactone can effectively inhibit cellulase, heavy metal ions such as copper and mercury ions can also inhibit cellulase, but cysteine can eliminate their inhibition and even further activate cellulase. Plant tissues contain natural cellulase inhibitors; these inhibitors are phenolic compounds that protect plants from the decaying effects of mold. If there is high oxidase activity in plant tissue, it can oxidize phenolic compounds to quinones, which can inhibit cellulase.