This collection of comprehensive reviews describes the present knowledge of the enzyme mechanisms involved in the biodegradation of wood and wood components, cellulose, hemicelluloses and lignin by both fungi and bacteria. The extensive knowledge, presented in this volume, was developed in laboratories world-wide over the last few decades and constitutes the foundation for present and future biotechnology in the pulp and paper industry.

Contributions by: M. Akhtar, D.S. Argyropoulos, P.K. Bajpai, P. Bajpai, R.A. Blanchette, J. Buchert, J.F.D. Dean, K.E.L. Eriksson, R.L. Farrell, M. Guenette, K. Hata, S.C. Johnsrud, T.K. Kirk, R.C. Kuhad, P.R. LaFayette, S.B. Menachem, S.A. Merkle, Ajay Singh, A. Suurnäkki, M. Tenkanen, J.S. Tolan, L. Viikari, M.B. Wall