Hemicelluloses

Abstract

Hemicelluloses are polysaccharides in plant cell walls that have β-(1→4)-linked backbones with an equatorial configuration. Hemicelluloses include xyloglucans, xylans, mannans and glucomannans, and β-(1→3,1→4)-glucans. These types of hemicelluloses are present in the cell walls of all terrestrial plants, except for β-(1→3,1→4)-glucans, which are restricted to Poales and a few other groups. The detailed structure of the hemicelluloses and their abundance vary widely between different species and cell types. The most important biological role of hemicelluloses is their contribution to strengthening the cell wall by interaction with cellulose and, in some walls, with lignin. These features are discussed in relation to widely accepted models of the primary wall. Hemicelluloses are synthesized by glycosyltransferases located in the Golgi membranes. Many glycosyltransferases needed for biosynthesis of xyloglucans and mannans are known. In contrast, the biosynthesis of xylans and β-(1→3,1→4)-glucans remains very elusive, and recent studies have led to more questions than answers.