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 described1,2.
Similar content being viewed by others
Article PDF
References
Marx-Figini, M., Makromol. Chem., 68, 227 (1963).
Marx-Figini, M., Makromol. Chem., 80, 235 (1964).
Marx-Figini, M., and Schulz, G. V., Biochim. Biophys. Acta, 112, 81 (1966).
Marx-Figini, M., and Penzel, E., Makromol. Chem., 87, 307 (1965).
Marx-Figini, M., communication at the Intern. Symp. Macromol. Chem., 1965, Prague, J. Polymer Sci. (in the press).
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
MARX-FIGINI, M. Kinetics of the Biosynthesis of Cellulose in Cotton Bolls by Different Light Intensities. Nature 210, 755 (1966). https://doi.org/10.1038/210755a0
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/210755a0
This article is cited by
-
Zur Biosynthese der Cellulose
Die Naturwissenschaften (1966)
Comments
By submitting a comment you agree to abide by our Terms and Community Guidelines. If you find something abusive or that does not comply with our terms or guidelines please flag it as inappropriate.