This review article focuses on carbohydrate-binding modules (CBMs) and their role in the enzymic degradation of insoluble polysaccharides. CBMs are non-catalytic modules appended to glycoside hydrolases, which are enzymes that break down polysaccharides. The article highlights the importance of CBMs in enhancing the efficiency of polysaccharide degradation by bringing the enzyme into close proximity to the substrate. The review discusses the structural and functional diversity of CBMs, including their classification into different fold families and types (Type A, B, and C). It also explores the mechanisms by which CBMs recognize and bind to specific carbohydrates, emphasizing the role of aromatic amino acid side chains, hydrogen bonding, and calcium coordination. The article further examines the plasticity and multivalency of CBMs in accommodating diverse polysaccharide structures, and the potential advantages of these properties in biological contexts. Finally, it discusses the impact of CBMs on the overall activity and function of glycoside hydrolases, particularly in the context of thermophilic enzymes.This review article focuses on carbohydrate-binding modules (CBMs) and their role in the enzymic degradation of insoluble polysaccharides. CBMs are non-catalytic modules appended to glycoside hydrolases, which are enzymes that break down polysaccharides. The article highlights the importance of CBMs in enhancing the efficiency of polysaccharide degradation by bringing the enzyme into close proximity to the substrate. The review discusses the structural and functional diversity of CBMs, including their classification into different fold families and types (Type A, B, and C). It also explores the mechanisms by which CBMs recognize and bind to specific carbohydrates, emphasizing the role of aromatic amino acid side chains, hydrogen bonding, and calcium coordination. The article further examines the plasticity and multivalency of CBMs in accommodating diverse polysaccharide structures, and the potential advantages of these properties in biological contexts. Finally, it discusses the impact of CBMs on the overall activity and function of glycoside hydrolases, particularly in the context of thermophilic enzymes.