The cellwall is made more flexible by the action of proteins with an expansion domain (IPR007117). Swelling proteins are hypothesized to disrupt the non-covalent bonds between cell wall polysaccharides, allowing cells to expand in response to external pressure. Hydrolysis of Cell Wall by PF07486 Cell wall hydrolysis is a common function for these enzymes in Bacillus subtilis. During sporulation, it is expressed in an inactive form and deposited in the outer cortex of cells. The cortex is hydrolyzed by enzymes that are activated during germination.