A phylogenetic study of beta-glucosidases from higher termites

Higher termites depend on cellulases of termite origin and endosymbiotic bacteria within their hindgut to digest cellulose. The family Termitidae’s diverse diets include cultivated fungus, wood and soil. Here, we report and compare partial beta-glucosidase gene sequences obtained from representatives of different feeding guilds. The inferred phylogenetic tree showed incongruency with mitochondrial and nuclear data. The fungus-growers formed a strong diphyletic relationship with the wood/grass- and soil/litter-feeders. Data also suggested that bacterial comb-grower beta-glucosidases were probably derived from fungus-growers beta-glucosidases.