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Breakdown and Synthesis of Cell Walls during Growth

Nature volume 195, pages 1319–1321 (1962)Cite this article

Abstract

PLASTIC extension of the primary wall in enlarging plant cells is thought1–3 to require relaxation of the interwoven structure of the pre-existing wall as well as deposition of new wall materials. It is possible that relaxation of the old wall, which has usually been attributed to fibre re-orientation, could also be facilitated by the breakage of bonds. This communication deals with the reality of wall catabolism and the extent to which it and wall anabolism are correlated with growth. All work was carried out with sections excised (as in Fig. 1) from the third internode of 8-day-old etiolated pea epicotyls (Pisum sativum L. var. Alaska).

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References

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Author notes

  1. M. YOUNG

    Present address: Department of Botany, McGill University, Montreal

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Botany, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada

    G. A. MACLACHLAN & M. YOUNG

  2. Department of Botany, Dalhousie University, Halifax

    M. YOUNG

Authors
  1. G. A. MACLACHLAN
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  2. M. YOUNG
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MACLACHLAN, G., YOUNG, M. Breakdown and Synthesis of Cell Walls during Growth. Nature 195, 1319–1321 (1962). https://doi.org/10.1038/1951319b0

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