Cell wall models, Albersheim

In order to think about the nature and consequences of cell wall polymer phenolic cross-linking, we need a working model of the mode of assembly and the final structure of the primary cell wall. Unfortunately, there is no universally acceptable model that proposed by Albersheim and co-workers (3) is not now widely accepted because the postulated interpolysaccharide glycosidic bonds have not been demonstrated (4) and the warp-weft model of Lamport (5) rests on the assumptions that extensin (i) forms a defined-porosity network (not proven) (ii) is orientated anti-clinally to the cell surface [some evidence against (6)] and (iii) is a major component of all primary cell walls (not true). 

Keegstra, K., Talmadge, K. W., Bauer, W. D., Albersheim, P. (1973). The structure of plant cell walls. III. A model of the walls of suspension-cultured sycamore cells based on the intercormections of the macromolecular components. Plant Phyiol., 51,188-196. 

X. Discussion on the Albersheim Model for Primary Cell-Wall Structure... 

In earlier Sections, the individual polymers that make up the constituent parts of the primary cell-wall have been discussed, and partial structures proposed for some of these polymers are shown in Figs. 1-4. A model of the primary cell-wall of suspension-cultured sycamore-cells, illustrating proposed interconnections between these constituent polymers within the intact wall, has been constructed by Albersheim and his associates.5,10 57,64,65 The model, not designed to be spatially or quantitatively accurate, is depicted in Fig. 6. 

M. Pauly, P. Albersheim, A. Darvill, W.S. York. A model for the cellulose/xyloglucan network in the cell walls of higher plants. Plant J, 2000, in press... 

Keegstra, K., K. W. Talmadge, W. D. Bauer, and P. Albersheim The Structure of Plant Cell Walls. III. A Model of the Walls of Suspension-cultured Sycamore Cells Based on the Interconnection of the Macromolecular Components. Plant Physiol. 51, 188 (1973). 

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