Question

Which enzyme is required to produce protoplast?

• A. Cellulase and Pectinase
• B. Pectinase and Zymase
• C. Protease
• D. Pepsin

Hint:

A protoplast is a plant or microbial cell that has had its cell wall completely removed, leaving just the cell surrounded by its membrane.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: What is a protoplast?
A protoplast is a plant or microbial cell from which the cell wall has been completely removed, leaving only the plasma membrane and its contents.

Step 2: What makes up the plant cell wall?
The plant cell wall is mainly composed of cellulose (a glucose polymer) and pectin (a polysaccharide found in the middle lamella that holds cells together).

Step 3: Which enzymes digest these components?
Cellulase breaks down cellulose fibres. Pectinase breaks down pectin in the middle lamella. Together they remove the complete cell wall to release the protoplast.

Step 4: Why are the other options wrong?
Zymase is a yeast enzyme complex for fermentation, not cell wall removal. Protease digests proteins, not polysaccharide cell walls. Pepsin is a stomach protease with no action on cellulose or pectin.

Step 5: Conclude.
The combination of Cellulase and Pectinase is the standard enzymatic treatment used in protoplast isolation.

Answer: Option (1) — Cellulase and Pectinase