Growing plant cells synthesize a strong yet extensible cell wall composed of long, thin cellulose microfibrils that are dispersed and laterally bonded to one another in a hydrated matrix of pectins, hemicelluloses, and glycoprotein. Recent advances have led to a rethinking of how these wall components interact with one another (1-4). With AFM we characterize the organization of cellulose microfibrils in never dried cell walls of onion epidermis. The interaction of microfibrils with matrix was visualized in two-color maps based on height and modulus. When the cell walls are stretched to reveal microfibril re-arrangements after plastic or elastic deformation or after endogllucanase-mediated cell wall creep, we find different patterns of microfibril movements. Some of the remaining unsolved problems in primary cell wall structure and cell wall mechanics will be highlighted.<br/>

Visualizing cellulose microfibril movements during stress-induced and endoglucanase-induced extensions of plant primary cell walls

253rd National Meeting (2017)

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