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Title: Disentangling loosening from softening: insights into primary cell wall structure

Journal Article · · The Plant Journal
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1111/tpj.14519· OSTI ID:1595717
 [1];  [2];  [2]; ORCiD logo [1]
  1. Pennsylvania State Univ., University Park, PA (United States). Dept. of Biology and Center for Lignocellulose Structure and Formation
  2. Lehigh Univ., Bethlehem, PA (United States). Dept. of Physics

How cell wall elasticity, plasticity, and time-dependent extension (creep) relate to one another, to plant cell wall structure and to cell growth remain unsettled topics. To examine these issues without the complexities of living tissues, in this work we treated cell-free strips of onion epidermal walls with various enzymes and other agents to assess which polysaccharides bear mechanical forces in-plane and out-of-plane of the cell wall. This information is critical for integrating concepts of wall structure, wall material properties, tissue mechanics, and mechanisms of cell growth. With atomic force microscopy we also monitored real-time changes in the wall surface during treatments. Driselase, a potent cocktail of wall-degrading enzymes, removed cellulose microfibrils in superficial lamellae sequentially, layer-by-layer, and softened the wall (reduced its mechanical stiffness), yet did not induce wall loosening (creep). In contrast Cel12A, a bifunctional xyloglucanase/cellulase, induced creep with only subtle changes in wall appearance. Both Driselase and Cel12A increased the tensile compliance, but differently for elastic and plastic components. Homogalacturonan solubilization by pectate lyase and calcium chelation greatly increased the indentation compliance without changing tensile compliances. Acidic buffer induced rapid cell wall creep via endogenous α-expansins, with negligible effects on wall compliances. We conclude that these various wall properties are not tightly coupled and thus reflect distinctive aspects of wall structure. Cross-lamellate networks of cellulose microfibrils influenced creep and tensile stiffness whereas homogalacturonan influenced indentation mechanics. This information is crucial for constructing realistic molecular models that define how wall mechanics and growth depend on primary cell wall structure.

Research Organization:
Energy Frontier Research Centers (EFRC) (United States). Center for Lignocellulose Structure and Formation (CLSF); Pennsylvania State Univ., University Park, PA (United States); Lehigh Univ., Bethlehem, PA (United States)
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE Office of Science (SC), Basic Energy Sciences (BES)
Grant/Contract Number:
SC0001090
OSTI ID:
1595717
Alternate ID(s):
OSTI ID: 1567708
Journal Information:
The Plant Journal, Vol. 100, Issue 6; ISSN 0960-7412
Publisher:
Society for Experimental BiologyCopyright Statement
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English
Citation Metrics:
Cited by: 61 works
Citation information provided by
Web of Science

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Cited By (2)

Combining tensile testing and microscopy to address a diverse range of questions journal February 2020
Pectin methylesterase selectively softens the onion epidermal wall yet reduces acid-induced creep journal February 2020