Capable of breaking down or decomposing cellulose into simpler substances.
From cellulo- (cellulose) + -lytic (from Greek lytikos meaning able to loosen, from lysis meaning breaking apart). Describes enzymes and organisms that dissolve cellulose.
Termites can digest wood because they have cellulolytic bacteria in their guts—scientists are studying these same bacteria to turn plant waste into biofuel, making garbage trucks potentially powered by sawdust!
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