Kinetics of the Biosynthesis of Cellulose in Cotton Bolls by Different Light Intensities

Abstract

PREVIOUS kinetic investigations of the biosynthesis of cellulose in higher plants suggested that the secondary wall cellulose is synthesized by a structure-controlled mechanism (template mechanism)^1–5. In order to confirm my assumption I changed the reaction rate by varying the intensity of illumination of the cotton plants. Cotton plants (Gossypium herbaceum) were grown in a glass-house at a mean temperature of 25° C (the night temperatures never were less than 18° C). The intensity of illumination amounted to 4,000, 15,000 and 60,000 lux respectively (mean values). The time of maturity was calculated from the time the flowers were fertilized. Bolls of different maturities were picked, immediately opened and the seedhairs quantitatively removed from the seeds. The methods used to determine the conversion of cellulose and the degree of polymerization have already been described^1,2.