At the Max Planck Institute of Molecular Plant Physiology in Potsdam-Golm the name of the working group “Plant cell walls” speaks for itself. Led by Staffan Persson, the group investigates how plant cell walls are constructed. The focus of the research is cellulose, which, next to pectin and hemicellulose, constitutes the main component of the cell walls. The researchers hope to elucidate which proteins are involved in building up the world’s most abundant biopolymer. Cellulose has previously been used for industrial purposes in the paper and textile production, and is expected to become an important source of energy in the future. Martin Bringmann, a PhD student at the Institute until 2012, explains the cellulose research.

More information:
Enzymes for cell wall synthesis conserved across species barriers:
www.mpg.de/4372173/cell_wall_synthesis
CSI at the service of cellulose synthesis:
www.mpg.de/620315/pressRelease20100716

The cell wall of plants

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