- Source: Glycoside hydrolase family 8
In molecular biology, glycoside hydrolase family 8 is a family of glycoside hydrolases EC 3.2.1., which are a widespread group of enzymes that hydrolyse the glycosidic bond between two or more carbohydrates, or between a carbohydrate and a non-carbohydrate moiety. A classification system for glycoside hydrolases, based on sequence similarity, has led to the definition of >100 different families. This classification is available on the CAZy website, and also discussed at CAZypedia, an online encyclopedia of carbohydrate-active enzymes.
Glycoside hydrolase family 8 CAZY GH_8 comprises enzymes with several known activities; endoglucanase (EC 3.2.1.4); lichenase (EC 3.2.1.73); chitosanase (EC 3.2.1.132). These enzymes were formerly known as cellulase family D.