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The Expanding Cell pp 191–215Cite as

Mechanics of the Expanding Cell Wall

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Part of the book series: Plant Cell Monographs ((CELLMONO,volume 6))

Abstract

Cell enlargement is one of the essential facets in plant growth and development, but the underlying mechanisms of primary cell wall expansion still remain partly elusive. The primary cell wall, only ∼100 nm thick, has to be both strong enough to withstand high stresses due to hydrostatic pressure and external loads as well as flexible enough to allow a tremendous expansion of the cell. Evidently, to shed light on this mechanical paradox, an interdisciplinary combination of biophysical (biomechanical), biochemical and physiological approaches is required. Here we deal with the mechanical constraints of cell wall expansion from a plant biomechanics perspective. Possible mechanisms of increasing cell wall volume are introduced. Current models on cell wall structure and its expansion are reviewed with regard to the capability of the polymer network to undergo sufficient elongation. Methods to determine the mechanical properties of living tissues and isolated cells are briefly reviewed focussing on how the deformation behaviour of the cell wall is influenced by various chemical and biochemical treatments. The crucial role of cellulose microfibril orientation and fibre and matrix interaction in the course of cell wall expansion is discussed.

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Acknowledgments

We thank Tobias I. Baskin for helpful comments and suggestions.

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  1. Department of Biomaterials, Max-Planck-Institute of Colloids and Interfaces, Research Campus Golm, 14424, Potsdam, Germany

    Ingo Burgert & Peter Fratzl

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  1. Ingo Burgert
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Burgert, I., Fratzl, P. (2006). Mechanics of the Expanding Cell Wall. In: Verbelen, JP., Vissenberg, K. (eds) The Expanding Cell. Plant Cell Monographs, vol 6. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg . https://doi.org/10.1007/7089_2006_076

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