Cellulose Synthesis occurs at
the Plasmalemma
Cellulose = 1-4 B-D-glucose (Unit =
Cellobiose)
Length 2,000 - 25,000 Glucose Molecules
Diameter Varies
Land Plants = 5 nm
Algae = 30 nm
Organization Inhomogeneous
Crystalline & Amorphous Domains
Crystalline Areas -> Highly ordered
Glucans with H-bonds
Amorphous Domains NOT highly ordered
Hemicellulose Trapped within Microfibril
-> Less Organized Microfibrils
Amorphous areas are prone to Hydrolysis
& Pathogen Attack
Cellulose Microfibril Properties
High Tensile Strength = Steel! - Insoluble -
Chemically Inert - Immune to Enzyme Attack
Plant Cell Walls - 12 