摘要
Multicellular organization and tissue construction has evolved along essentially different lines in plants and animals. Since plants do not run away, but are anchored in the soil, their tissues are more or less firm and stiff. This strength stems from the cell walls, which encase the fragile cytoplasm, and protect it. Properties of plant cell walls translate into properties of plant tissue. For instance, the cellulose microfibril angle in the different layers of walls of individual cells is a determinant of mechanical functions, which are useful to the plant itself. It also determines material properties of tissues and their potential industrial use. Indeed, plant cell walls determine the industrial value of a range of plant products including paper, timber, foodstuff, fodder, spun fibers, coatings, renewable polymers and future nanocomposites. Cell walls and their biosynthesis is a very active field of plant research.
Multicellular organization and tissue construction has evolved along essentially different lines in plants and animals. Since plants do not run away, but are anchored in the soil, their tissues are more or less firm and stiff. This strength stems from the cell walls, which encase the fragile cytoplasm, and protect it. Properties of plant cell walls translate into properties of plant tissue. For instance, the cellulose microfibril angle in the different layers of walls of individual cells is a determinant of mechanical functions, which are useful to the plant itself. It also determines material properties of tissues and their potential industrial use. Indeed, plant cell walls determine the industrial value of a range of plant products including paper, timber, foodstuff, fodder, spun fibers, coatings, renewable polymers and future nanocomposites. Cell walls and their biosynthesis is a very active field of plant research.
