Xylan biosynthesis

Curr Opin Biotechnol. 2014 Apr:26:100-7. doi: 10.1016/j.copbio.2013.11.013. Epub 2013 Dec 20.

Abstract

Plant cells are surrounded by a rigid wall made up of cellulose microfibrils, pectins, hemicelluloses, and lignin. This cell wall provides structure and protection for plant cells. In grasses and in dicot secondary cell walls, the major hemicellulose is a polymer of β-(1,4)-linked xylose units called xylan. Unlike cellulose--which is synthesized by large complexes at the plasma membrane--xylan is synthesized by enzymes in the Golgi apparatus. Xylan synthesis thus requires the coordinated action and regulation of these synthetic enzymes as well as others that synthesize and transport substrates into the Golgi. Recent research has identified several genes involved in xylan synthesis, some of which have already been used in engineering efforts to create plants that are better suited for biofuel production.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Biomass
  • Biosynthetic Pathways
  • Biotechnology
  • Cell Wall / chemistry
  • Glycosyltransferases / metabolism
  • Golgi Apparatus / enzymology
  • N-Glycosyl Hydrolases / metabolism
  • Plant Cells / chemistry
  • Plant Cells / metabolism
  • Plants / chemistry
  • Plants / enzymology
  • Plants / genetics
  • Plants / metabolism*
  • Polysaccharides / chemistry
  • Polysaccharides / metabolism
  • Xylans / biosynthesis*
  • Xylans / chemistry
  • Xylose / chemistry
  • Xylose / metabolism

Substances

  • Polysaccharides
  • Xylans
  • hemicellulose
  • Xylose
  • Glycosyltransferases
  • N-Glycosyl Hydrolases