The supramolecular organization of red algal cell membranes and their participation in the biosynthesis and secretion of extracellular polysaccharides: a review

Abstract

The relationship between the supramolecular organization of red algal cell membranes and the biosynthesis and secretion of the cell wall skeletal and matrix polysaccharides is reviewed. Freeze-fracture studies have revealed that organized macromolecular structures — “linear terminal complexes” and “tetrads” — are present on the plasma membrane and on membranes of the endomembrane system. The “linear terminal complexes” seem to be involved in the biosynthesis, assembly, and orientation of the cellulose microfibrils and the “tetrads” in the synthesis of the matrix polysaccharides. It is shown how the research on the supramolecular organization of cell membranes has increased the knowledge on the biosynthesis and secretion of the extracellular crystalline and non-crystalline polysaccharides in red algae. In this review, the progress to date is discussed.