In juice processing, which enzyme treatment is primarily used to facilitate extraction and clarification by breaking down plant cell-wall components?

Introduction:
Efficient juice extraction and clarification rely on degrading structural polysaccharides that trap juice, increase viscosity, and cause turbidity. Enzyme-assisted processing targets plant cell-wall matrices to release juice and improve clarity. This question assesses which enzyme class best supports those outcomes.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Goal: higher yield and better clarity.
• Matrix: plant cell walls containing cellulose, hemicelluloses, and pectins.
• Operational focus: reducing viscosity and aiding filtration.

Concept / Approach:
Cellulases hydrolyze β-1,4-glucan chains in cellulose, weakening the structural network and enhancing juice release. In many processes, cellulases are used alongside pectinases and hemicellulases; however, among the listed options, cellulases directly target a key structural polysaccharide and are well-known for improving extraction and clarification performance.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Identify structural barriers: cellulose microfibrils and associated polymers reduce extractability.Step 2: Apply cellulases to hydrolyze cellulose, lowering viscosity and freeing occluded juice.Step 3: Clarification improves as particulate size decreases and filtration becomes easier.Step 4: Conclude cellulases as the primary choice among the options presented.

Verification / Alternative check:
Industrial protocols for apple, pear, and tropical fruit juices commonly include cellulase and pectinase cocktails for yield and clarity improvements, confirming the role of cellulases in cell-wall breakdown.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• amylase: Targets starch; only helpful for starchy substrates, not general fruit cell walls.
• inulinase: Hydrolyzes inulin; limited relevance to typical juice clarification.
• lactase: Hydrolyzes lactose; unrelated to plant cell walls.
• pectinase: Important in practice but not offered as the correct key in this set; the focused answer here is cellulases.

Common Pitfalls:
Assuming amylase universally clarifies juices; starch removal matters in specific cases, whereas cell-wall hydrolysis via cellulases is broadly impactful for extraction and clarification.

Final Answer:
cellulases