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Identification of β 1 → 4 glucan chains as part of a fraction of slime synthesized within the dictyosomes of maize root caps

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Summary

The protective polysaccharides synthesized by the outer root-cap cells of maize have been prepared in radioactive and non-radioactive form and studied using the techniques oftrans-elimination, gel filtration and partial hydrolysis under acid and alkaline conditions. The results indicate that the slime consists of a central β 1 → 4 linked glucan rendered soluble by a coating of hydrophilic polysaccharides linked both covalently and non-covalently. The covalently-linked polysaccharide is relatively rich in galacturonic acid and fucose in regions near the central glucan. It is likely that the synthesis of the slime, including the glucan component, takes place within the dictyosome sacs and vesicles and this has important consequences for ideas on the sites of β 1 → 4 glucan synthesis within plant cells.

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Author notes

  1. K. Wright

    Present address: Chesterford Park Research Station, Fisons Ltd., CB10 1XL, Saffron Waiden, Essex, UK

  2. D. H. Northcote

    Present address: Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, Tennis Court Road, Cambridge, UK

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, Tennis Court Road, Cambridge, UK

    K. Wright

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  1. K. Wright
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  2. D. H. Northcote
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Wright, K., Northcote, D.H. Identification of β 1 → 4 glucan chains as part of a fraction of slime synthesized within the dictyosomes of maize root caps. Protoplasma 88, 225–239 (1976). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01283248

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01283248

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