Chitinases As The Key To The Interaction Between Plants And Microorganisms

Chitin is the main structural component of fungal cells and of the exoskeletons of insects. Plant and bacterial cells are equipped with chitinases, enzymes that break down chitin. Chitinases participate in many interactions between organisms, including symbiosis and antagonism. These interactions are significant drivers of many ecosystem functions and are important for the health of plants and animals. Additionally, due to the common occupation of habitat, fungi and bacteria engage in complex interactions that lead to critical changes in the behavior of microorganisms like endosymbiotic bacteria of mycorrhizal fungi. Thus, chitinases are of interest in environmental science, medicine and biotechnology. The present review describes the role of plant and bacterial chitinases in mutual interactions.

1. Introduction. 2. Differentiation of chitinases. 3. Chitinases in interactions with the environment. 3.1. Plant chitinases in interactions with microorganisms. 3.2. Bacterial chitinases in interactions with other microorganisms. 4. Practical application of chitinases. 5. Summary