Cellulose and Hemicellulose Synthesis and Their Regulation in Plant Cells

Abstract

As the major components in plant cell walls, cellulose and hemicelluloses have attracted many scientists long before the recent buzz of referring them as alternative resources for biofuels. Plant cells invest ~10% of their genes in the biosynthesis and regulation of cell walls. Taking biosynthesis as an example, we are still far from deciphering each enzyme’s exact biochemical and biological function. Despite the challenge, many discoveries were made in the past two decades. In this chapter, we highlight recent progress toward understanding the mechanisms by which cellulose and hemicelluloses are synthesized and regulated in plants.