Cell wall carbohydrates in tobacco pith parenchyma as affected by boron deficiency & by growth in tissue culture

Abstract

Polysaccharides were determined by hydrolysis of the whole wall fractions followed by quantitative paper chromatography of the sugars released. The wall typically contained 25-30% cellulose, 20% pectic substances, 8% galactan, 5% araban, and less than 2% xylan and rhamnose. Young tissue contained less cellulose and pectic substances, and more galactan than mature tissue. B deficiency caused a large increase in total cell wall on a fresh weight basis, and a decrease in the percentage of galactan. Walls from expanding pith tissue cultures contained relatively less cellulose and more araban than originally.