Klarinet Archive - Posting 000289.txt from 1999/04

From: CEField@-----.com
Subj: Re: [kl] Reeds, should I put them in water?
Date: Mon, 5 Apr 1999 13:11:05 -0400

I don't not believe that ANY enzymes have been found in human saliva to break
down cellulose, lignin, and other components of cane reeds. Only decomposing
organisms (bacteria and especially fungi) are capable of producing such
enzymes. I seem to recall that some aquatic algae - a.k.a. seaweed or
phytoplankton -- also produce cellulase. But I have been removed from my
first field of professional endeavor (botany) for some time so there may be
new information.

I suspect that the breakdown of reeds over time is due, rather, to physical
stresses and strains as well as foreign material filling the cane's tracheids
and blocking the "normal" uptake of water.

Cindy

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