Cellulase is an enzyme that breaks down cellulose, a complex carbohydrate found in the cell walls of plants. This process is essential for the digestion of plant material in many organisms, including herbivores and some fungi. By breaking cellulose into simpler sugars, cellulase helps convert plant biomass into energy. In industrial applications, cellulase is used in various processes, such as biofuel production, where it helps convert plant materials into fermentable sugars. It is also utilized in the textile and paper industries to improve the quality of products by enhancing fiber processing and reducing waste.