A Note on the Cell-Wall Structure of Softwood Tracheids

Authors

  • D. H. Page

Keywords:

Cell-wall models, cellulose, hemicellulose, lignin

Abstract

Molecules of hemicellulose in walls of softwood tracheids are birefringent and lie essentially parallel to cellulose molecules. These hemicelluloses perform a structural function in providing a link between cellulose and lignin, and consequently should be considered as "coupling agents" between them. Models of the softwood tracheid cell wall should recognize this structural role for hemicelluloses.

References

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Published

2007-06-05

Issue

Number 4 / Winter 1976

Section

Research Contributions

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