Microfibrils rigid cellulosic chains

Polymerization of the D-glucan chains occurs by way of a multi-subunit, enzyme complex embedded in the plasma membrane an almost simultaneous association, by means of hydrogen bonds, of the newly formed chains results in formation of partially crystalline microfibrils. This mechanism of polymerization and crystallization results in the creation of microfibrils whose chains are oriented parallel (cellulose I). In A. xylinum, the complex is apparently immobile, but, in cells in which cellulose is deposited as a cell-wall constituent, it seems probable that the force generated by polymerization of the relatively rigid microfibrils propels the complex through the fluid-mosaic membrane. The direction of motion may be guided through the influence of microtubules. 

---