ABSTRACT

Plant cell walls have been relevant for human survival throughout evolution, from cell walls recognised as an essential ingredient in human and livestock nutrition, to their use in energy generation, construction, tool making, paper and clothing. This plant-generated material is at the centre of a myriad of human activities, and it represents the world's most abundant natural resource for fuel, fibre, food and fodder. Plant Cell Walls: Research Milestones and Conceptual Insights provides an overview of the key discoveries of hundreds of years of plant cell wall research. With chapter contributions from prominent scientists in the cell wall field, this book provides a comprehensive treatment of plant cell wall research, accompanied by a historical overview to illustrate how concepts have evolved, and how progress has been enabled by emerging technological advances.

Plant Cell Walls: Research Milestones and Conceptual Insights elaborates on the translation of research to application in biotechnology and agriculture, and highlights its relevance for climate change mitigation and adaptation. It will be a key resource for plant cell biologists, biochemists and geneticists.

chapter 2|32 pages

Plant Cell Wall Glycosyltransferases

From Sequence to Structure and Function

chapter 5|33 pages

Reconsidering Pectin Structure

A Historical Perspective Informed by Studies of the Biosynthetic Enzymes

chapter 12|17 pages

The Glycomic Code of the Plant Cell Wall

How Structure Leads to Function

chapter 13|23 pages

We All Stand Together

An Exploration of the Drivers and Constraints That Have Shaped Plant and Algal Cell Wall Diversity

chapter 15|12 pages

Shapeshifters

Functional Interplays between Plant Cell Walls and Dynamic, Reversible Shape Changes in Plant Cells and Tissues

chapter 17|12 pages

Root Cell Walls and Secretions

A Role in the Plant's Relationship with Its Surrounding Soil Microbiome

chapter 20|19 pages

The Ancient Battle between Plants and Pathogens

Resilience of the Plant Cell Wall and Damage-Associated Molecular Patterns (DAMPs) Drive Plant Immunity

chapter 22|11 pages

Drying Out Walls

How Do the Cell Walls of Resurrection Plants Survive Desiccation?