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Title: Biosynthesis of cellulose: studies with tobacco protoplasts and cultured cells

Conference · · J. Appl. Polym. Sci.: Appl. Polym. Symp.; (United States)
OSTI ID:7135283

The cell wall of regenerating tobacco protoplasts was shown to be mainly composed of noncellulosic ..beta..-1,3- and ..beta..-1,4-linked glucans with a cellulose content of only about 5%. Some pectic and hemicellulosic material is released by these protoplasts into the culture medium. The DP distribution of the ..cap alpha..-cellulose in regenerating protoplasts as well as in suspension-cultured cells, callus, or tobacco mesophyll revealed the existence of mainly two DP fractions with low (DP<500) and higher (DP 2000-3000) molecular weight, both of which contribute to the cellulosic network of the primary cell wall. The alkali-soluble and alkali-insoluble products of glucan synthetase assays with particulate enzyme fractions were analyzed in detail. By prelabeling with (/sup 14/C)glucose, the existence of primer glucans, which are elongated in the appropriate in vitro assay, could be substantiated. Alkali-soluble glucans consisted of a very short, if any, primer glucan, to which about 40 glucose units were added in vitro. The glucans in the alkali-insoluble fraction have an average DP of 200-250 and are synthesized in vitro by chain elongation via addition of about 30 new glucose units to a 1,4-linked primer glucan of DPapprox.200. 27 references, 6 figures, 2 tables.

Research Organization:
Universitaet Regensburg, West Germany
OSTI ID:
7135283
Report Number(s):
CONF-8205234-Vol.1
Journal Information:
J. Appl. Polym. Sci.: Appl. Polym. Symp.; (United States), Conference: 9. cellulose conference, Syracuse, NY, USA, 24 May 1982
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English