"Xylan coats the cellulose, reducing the proportion of the enzymes that can bind to and move cellulose. Lignin inhibits the enzyme's ability to bind to cellulose as well as its movement ...

He characterized a suite of enzymes that allow one species, Prevotella bryantii, to break down the polysaccharide xylan, a major constituent of plant cell walls. Along with his adviser, microbiologist ...