cellwallrelated

Cellwallrelated is a term used in biological literature to refer to topics involving cell walls, the extracellular matrices that surround many prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. It encompasses composition, structure, biosynthesis, remodeling, and interactions with environmental factors and signaling networks.

In plants, cell walls are primarily cellulose microfibrils in a matrix of hemicelluloses and pectin, with lignin in secondary walls. In bacteria, walls are typically peptidoglycan; in fungi and some algae, chitin and glucans; in archaea, pseudopeptidoglycan or other polymers.

Plant cell walls: primary walls during growth; secondary walls added in specialized tissues; plasmodesmata connect cells; wall rigidity supports turgor and defines form; wall integrity sensing via receptor-like kinases ensures appropriate remodeling.

Biosynthesis: cellulose synthase complexes at the plasma membrane synthesize cellulose; matrix polysaccharides synthesized in Golgi and secreted; enzymes remodel walls: expansins soften, polygalacturonases cut pectin; deposition and modification regulated during development and stress.

Clinical and industrial relevance: antibiotics target peptidoglycan synthesis; plant pathogens deploy cell wall-degrading enzymes; industrial processes exploit cell wall materials for biofuels and paper; understanding cell wall dynamics informs crop improvement and biomaterials.