CEMARE Working Group 1 - Biosynthesis and structure of cellulose and polysaccharides

 

The research focuses on the formation and deposition of the cellulose and hemicelluloses in the cell wall.

More investigations are needed on the variation in the orientation of cellulose microfibrils, i.e. the microfibrillar angle (MFA) in the fibre cell wall. The purpose is to further develop techniques for measuring MFA, like X-ray diffraction and synchrotron radiation.

The genetic and environmental control of the orientation of microfibrils is also an important aspect to be studied.
 
The chemistry of polyoses (hemicelluloses) and interaction between different macromolecules in the cell wall will be investigated and discussed in this group. In cooperation with Working Group 3 and Working Group 4, reaction woods representing extreme cases of cell wall organisation will be given special attention, especially the gelatinous fibres of tension wood characterised by very high cellulosic content.