The plant cell wall—dynamic, strong, and adaptable—is a natural shapeshifter

Mythology is replete with good and evil shapeshifters, who, by definition, display great adaptability and assume many different forms-with several even turning themselves into trees. Cell walls certainly fit this definition as they can undergo subtle or dramatic changes in structure, assume many shapes, and perform many functions. In this review, we cover the evolution of knowledge of the structures, biosynthesis, and functions of the 5 major cell wall polymer types that range from deceptively simple to fiendishly complex. Along the way, we recognize some of the colorful historical figures who shaped cell wall research over the past 100 years. The shapeshifter analogy emerges more clearly as we examine the…

• UD
  U.S. Department of Energy

  Awards: SC0015662, -SC0015662, DE-SC0015662
• OO
  Office of Science

  Award: DE-SC0015662
• BE
  Basic Energy Sciences

  Award: DE-SC0015662
• BA
  Biological and Environmental Research
• CF
  Center for Bioenergy Innovation