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Updated: Aug 15, 2026

Label-free in situ Imaging of Lignification in Plant Cell Walls
Published on: November 2, 2010
Lignification and lignin topochemistry - an ultrastructural view
1Forest Research, Private Bag 3020, Rotorua, New Zealand. lloyd.donaldson@forestresearch.co.nz
Abstract:
This review discuses the ultrastructural aspects of cell wall lignification and lignin topochemistry. Lignification results from the enzyme mediated polymerization of monolignols initiated by unknown factors (initiation sites) located at the corners of cells and in the middle lamella. Lignification results in the filling of pores within the carbohydrate matrix following a sequence from the outer regions of the wall towards the lumen. The amount and chemical characteristics of lignin vary across the cell wall, with the presence of reaction wood, and among cell types.
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