Cellulose degradation by Leucocoprinus gongylophorus, the fungus cultured by the leaf-cutting ant Atta sexdens rubropilosa.

Leucocoprinus gongylophorus, the fungus cultured by the leaf-cutting ant Atta sexdens rubropilosa, is able to degrade efficiently cellulose, microcrystaline cellulose, carboximethylcellulose, and cellobiose. Analysis of the degradation products indicate that the fungus produce extracellular beta-glucosidase, exo- and endo-glucanase. The importance of cellulose degradation to the association of fungus and ant is discussed.