Beta-glucosidase is a kind of enzyme which is capable of hydrolyzing the terminal non-reducing residues of beta-glucoside. It can be isolated from many kinds of bacteria. It is useful for degrading the plant cell walls by pathogens in order to consume plant biomass. It acts on the β-(1-4) bond linking two glucose residues or glucose-substituted molecules. Its action on such glucosides results in the release of units of glucose, e.g. it can hydrolyze cellobiose to generate two glucoses. It can also be used for the synthesis of biofuel through hydrolyzing the wood and a series of processes. It can also used for the treatment of Gaucher disease through enzyme replacement therapy.
