Cellulose microfibril structure: inspirations from plant diversity

A W Roberts

doi:10.1088/1755-1315/130/1/012001

Abstract

Cellulose microfibrils are synthesized at the plasma membrane by cellulose synthase catalytic subunits that associate to form cellulose synthesis complexes. Variation in the organization of these complexes underlies the variation in cellulose microfibril structure among diverse organisms. However, little is known about how the catalytic subunits interact to form complexes with different morphologies. We are using an evolutionary approach to investigate the roles of different catalytic subunit isoforms in organisms that have rosette-type cellulose synthesis complexes.

Highlights

We are using an evolutionary approach to investigate the roles of different catalytic subunit isoforms in organisms that have rosette-type cellulose synthesis complexes
The cellulose microfibrils in secondary cell walls are synthesized by AtCESA4, -7 and -8 [14] and those in in the primary cell walls are synthesized by AtCESA1, -3, and members of the 6-like group [15, 16]
There are similarities in functional specialization of the PpCESA and AtCESA families that are attributable to convergent evolution

Summary

Introduction

We are using an evolutionary approach to investigate the roles of different catalytic subunit isoforms in organisms that have rosette-type cellulose synthesis complexes. These microfibrils are synthesized by cellulose synthase catalytic subunits that associate in the plasma membrane to form Cellulose Synthesis Complexes (CSC). The number and arrangement of catalytic subunits varies among different taxa, and this variation in CSC organization has been correlated with variation in cellulose microfibril structure [1].

Results

Conclusion