The plant cell wall plays a vital role in almost every aspect of plant
physiology. New techniques in spectroscopy, biophysics and molecular
biology have revealed the extraordinary complexity of its molecular
architecture and just how important this structure is in the control of
plant growth and development.
The Second Edition of this accessible and integrated textbook has been
revised and updated throughout. As well as focusing on the structure and
function of plant cell walls the book also looks at the applications of
this research. It discusses how plant cell walls can be exploited by the
biotechnology industry and some of the main challenges for future
research. Key topics include: architecture and skeletal functions of the
wall; cell-wall formation; control of cell growth; role in intracellular
transport; interactions with other organisms; cell-wall degradation;
biotechnological applications of cell-walls; role in diet and health.
This textbook provides a clear, well illustrated introduction to the
physiology and biochemistry of plant cell walls which will be invaluable
to upper level undergraduate and post graduate students of plant
physiology, plant pathology, plant biotechnology and biochemistry.