Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 4, 2026

Histochemical Staining of Arabidopsis thaliana Secondary Cell Wall Elements
Published on: May 13, 2014
Cellulose synthases and synthesis in Arabidopsis
1Max-Planck-Institute for Molecular Plant Physiology, Am Mühlenberg 1, 14476 Potsdam, Germany.
Abstract:
Plant cell walls are complex structures composed of high-molecular-weight polysaccharides, proteins, and lignins. Among the wall polysaccharides, cellulose, a hydrogen-bonded β-1,4-linked glucan microfibril, is the main load-bearing wall component and a key precursor for industrial applications. Cellulose is synthesized by large multi-meric cellulose synthase (CesA) complexes, tracking along cortical microtubules at the plasma membrane. The only known components of these complexes are the cellulose synthase proteins. Recent studies have identified tentative interaction partners for the CesAs and shown that the migratory patterns of the CesA complexes depend on phosphorylation status. These advances may become good platforms for expanding our knowledge about cellulose synthesis in the near future. In addition, our current understanding of cellulose chain polymerization in the context of the CesA complex is discussed.
Related Concept Videos
Role of Microtubules in Cell Wall Deposition
Cell Signaling in Plants
C4 Pathway and CAM
C4 Pathway
The C4 pathway is used by plants such as...
Cellulose and Pectic Polysaccharides
As a cell matures, its cell wall specializes according to its type. For example, the parenchyma cells of...
Cell Adhesion in Plants
Pectins are complex heteropolymers mainly composed of negatively-charged α-D-glucopyranosyl uronic acid and some neutral glycosyl residues such as α-L-rhamnopyranose, α-L-arabinofuranose, and...
Plant Cell Wall

