Abstract
Xylan is the most abundant hemicellulose, constitutes about 25–35% of the dry biomass of woody and lignified tissues, and occurs up to 50% in some cereal grains. The accurate degree and position of xylan acetylation is necessary for xylan function and for plant growth and development. The post synthetic acetylation of cell wall xylan, mainly regulated by Reduced Wall Acetylation (RWA), Trichome Birefringence-Like (TBL), and Altered Xyloglucan 9 (AXY9) genes, is essential for effective bonding of xylan with cellulose. Recent studies have proven that not only xylan acetylation but also its deacetylation is vital for various plant functions. Thus, the present review focuses on the latest advances in understanding xylan acetylation and deacetylation and explores their effects on plant growth and development. Baseline knowledge about precise regulation of xylan acetylation and deacetylation is pivotal to developing plant biomass better suited for second-generation liquid biofuel production.
Highlights
Xylan is the most abundant type of hemicellulose that occurs abundantly in cell walls of land plants, where it accounts for more than 30% of the dry weight, while in primary walls, it accounts for about 20% and its composition depends on the origin [1]
Xylan acetylation plays a vital role in mediating noncovalent interactions between cell-wall polymers and in determining the nature and structure of the cell wall
A reduced degree of acetylation is necessary for glycoside hydrolase-mediated hydrolysis of xylan, making it more accessible to degradation
Summary
Xylan is the most abundant type of hemicellulose that occurs abundantly in cell walls of land plants, where it accounts for more than 30% of the dry weight, while in primary walls, it accounts for about 20% and its composition depends on the origin [1]. Depending upon the side chain on the xylan backbone, they can be divided into three major classes: glucuronoxylan, glucuronoarabinoxylan, and arabinoxylan. Glucuronoxylans are abundant in secondary walls of dicots and some non-grass monocots [2,3], glucuronoarabinoxylans are abundant in grasses and gymnosperms except members from Gnetophyta [4,5], and arabinoxylans are abundant in cereal grains [6,7]. GGlluuccuurroonnooaarraabbiinnooxxyylan ffrroomm ssuuggaarrccaannee ssttrraaww aanndd bbaaggaassssee xxyyllaannss hhaavvee eeiitthheerr ssiinnggllee oorr ddoouubbllee ssuubbssttiittuuttiioonn ooff aarraabbiinnoossee wwiitthh aa lloowweerr mmeetthhyyllgglluuccoonnicicacaicdidcocnotenntet,nwt,hwilehiitleis ihtigishlhyiagcheltyylatceedtyinlahteadrdiwnohoadradnwdosoodftwanodods[o3f1t]w. 2020, 21, 7875 in the degree of xylan acetylation affects the physical and chemical properties of xylan, e.g., acetylation significantly affects the solubility as well as the water content of glucuronoxylans in aspen wood with small effect on molecular weight [32]. Xylan acetylation enhances the thermal tolerance, mechanical strength, and hydrophobicity ideal for industrial utilization of xylan [32,33]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
