We have found that producers: 1. Of exo-enzymes thrive when many polymer chains are around. 2. Of endo-enzymes unexpectedly excel only when fewer chains are present. 3. Of both enzymes together expand their niche and may benefit from enzyme synergy. 3/6

Finally, we explored whether microbes can divide labor in the production of these two enzymes within consortia. Our analysis paints a fascinating picture: interactions between endo- and exo-enzyme producers can flip from positive to negative depending on substrate levels! 4/6