Offers an overview of the state-of-the-art and future research needs for ß-glucosidases. Provides coverage of ß-glucosidases from the entire spectrum of organisms, including humans and mammals, plants, insects, fungi, and bacteria. Includes chapters on the mechanism of catalysis by ß-glucosidases, substrate specificity and physiological substrates of ß-glucosidases, and cyanogenic ß-glucosidases and glucosides from plants and insects. Reviews human ß-glucosidases in relation to metabolism, foods and nutrition, and an inherited disorder. Also describes a model system using immobilized enzymes to convert cellulose to glucose.