Study of Plant Cell Wall Mechanics by Brillouin Scattering (CAT#: STEM-ST-0145-YJL)

Introduction

The plant cell wall is a natural nanoscale network structure that primarily consists of polysaccharide polymers such as cellulose, hemicellulose, and pectin, but often includes glycoproteins and lignin as well. This intricate structure encases plant cells and provides them with diverse shapes, sizes, and distinct physicochemical properties that allow them to fulfill their roles in different organs and at various developmental stages. The plant cell wall plays many fundamental roles, including determining plant morphogenesis and architecture, providing mechanical support for the plant body, conducting water and nutrients, defending against biotic and abiotic stresses, and so on. Plant cell walls are highly complex structures, which are adaptable to various environmental stresses. While many biochemical pathways have been discovered, cellular stress indicators are widely unknown.