Cell Wall Composition and Extract

Dear Colleagues,

The plant cell wall constitutes a complex structure whose components (polysaccharides, proteins, minerals, etc.) display a large degree of diversity among organisms and tissues. In addition, its structure and composition evolve during the lifecycle of the cell: first, the pectin-enriched middle lamella formed during cell division contributes to cell-to-cell adhesion; second, the primary cell wall, mainly composed of cellulose microfibrils surrounded with hemicellulose and pectin chains, is involved in the control of the growth and shape of the cell. Finally, the secondary cell wall, notably composed of lignin deposits, endows some tissues (e.g., xylem) with tensile strength. This rigidity allows the plant to stand upright and helps the conducting tissues to withstand the sap pressure. In addition, due to its peripheral position, the cell wall is the favored location for exchange processes between the cell and its environment and constitutes the primary barrier against exogenous attacks. Therefore, the cell wall is a dynamic compartment that can be modified in response to various environmental effectors, more particularly in case of stress. Due to this diversity, extracts of plant cell walls also constitute a large repertoire of bioactive molecules whose diverse characteristics (antioxidant, gelling properties, etc.) justify their uses in numerous domains, such as the biomaterial and biofuel industries and health and medical applications.

This Special Issue aims at presenting new insights into the roles played by plant cell walls during plant growth and development, along with their contribution to stress resistance (either biotic or abiotic stress). Biological activities of plant cell wall extracts are also of interest because of their numerous potential applications. Special features concerning horticultural plants are welcome.

Dr. Céline Faugeron-Girard
Guest Editor

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