Comparative structure and biomechanics of plant primary and secondary cell walls

Recent insights into the physical biology of plant cell walls are reviewed, summarizing the essential differences between primary and secondary cell walls and identifying crucial gaps in our knowledge of their structure and biomechanics. Unexpected parallels are identified between the mechanism of e...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Frontiers in plant science 2012-01, Vol.3, p.204-204
Main Authors: Cosgrove, Daniel J, Jarvis, Michael C
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Cellulose
creep
deformation
Growth
Plant Science
secondary cell walls
xyloglucan
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Summary:Recent insights into the physical biology of plant cell walls are reviewed, summarizing the essential differences between primary and secondary cell walls and identifying crucial gaps in our knowledge of their structure and biomechanics. Unexpected parallels are identified between the mechanism of expansion of primary cell walls during growth and the mechanisms by which hydrated wood deforms under external tension. There is a particular need to revise current "cartoons" of plant cell walls to be more consistent with data from diverse approaches and to go beyond summarizing limited aspects of cell walls, serving instead as guides for future experiments and for the application of new techniques.
ISSN:1664-462X
1664-462X
DOI:10.3389/fpls.2012.00204