actual and potential uses for straw, currently a major source of waste cellulose, are reviewed. the study covers five principal aspects: (1) problems associated with straw use; (2) direct uses for straw; (3) mechanical conversion; (4) mechanical, chemical, and biological treatments; and (5) chemicals from straw. investigation reveals that straw is technically suitable as a raw material in the manufacture of paper, fiberboard, oil, gasoling, alcohol, plastics, enzymes, fuel gases, microbial proteins, and many other products however, straw has serious economic limitations arising from expensive pretreatment requirements. also, problems of central supply, bulk production, and transportation are very costly. as a livestock feed, straw is limited by its low protein content, unpalatable taste, and poor digestability. a more feasible use of straw involves its hydrolysis to soluble sugars, minerals, and micronutrients. these products can be fortified with nitrogen and used as a substrate for production of a single cell protein, enzymes, alcohol, organic acids, vitamins, and other organic chemicals. the production of enzymes and alcohol already looks promising in today's rapidly changing economy. large-scale applications of technology capable of converting straw into food and fuels await resoluton of unfavorable economic conditions