Cens Lecture 8

Question 1

What are the two phases of the cell wall structure

Answer 1

1. Microfibrils (cellulose)
2. Matrix (pectin polysaccharides , hemicellulose polysaccharides

Question 2

What and how forms microfibrils?

Answer 2

Highly organised structures of cellulose form primary - secondary cel walls, 1

Question 3

What is the structure of hemicellulose

Answer 3

Group of heterogeneous polysaccharides, long chain of one type sugar and short side chains. This forms a rigid structure

Question 4

What is the structure of pectin?

Answer 4

Branched, negatively charged polysaccharides. They bind water and have gel like properties.

Question 5

What role in cell structure does extensin have?

Answer 5

The extensibility of cells through cross linking. No cross linking means the cell can explains in size. When extensin is cross linked the cell becomes dehydrated increasing its strength and reducing extensibility.