Lignification and lignin topochemistry — an ultrastructural view

• Published in: Phytochemistry Vol. 57; no. 6; pp. 859 - 873
• Main Author: Donaldson, Lloyd A.
• Format: Book Review Conference Proceeding Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Amsterdam Elsevier Ltd 01.07.2001; Elsevier
• Subjects: Angiosperms; Biological and medical sciences; Cell Wall - physiology; Cell Wall - ultrastructure; Cycadopsida - physiology; Cycadopsida - ultrastructure; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; Guaiacyl; Gymnosperms; Lignification; Lignin - biosynthesis; Lignin - chemistry; Lignin - ultrastructure; Lignin distribution; Lignin topochemistry; Magnoliopsida - physiology; Magnoliopsida - ultrastructure; Metabolism; Metabolism. Physicochemical requirements; Microscopy, Electron; Monolignol; p-Hydroxyphenyl; Plant physiology and development; Reaction wood; Syringyl; Ultrastructure; Wood; Lignin topochemistry; p-Hydroxyphenyl; Lignification; Ultrastructure; Reaction wood; Guaiacyl; Syringyl; Angiosperms; Lignin distribution; Monolignol; Gymnosperms; Lignin; Wood; Topochemistry; Polymerization; Biosynthesis; Woody plant; Review; Cell wall; Angiospermae; Gymnospermae; Spermatophyta
• ISSN: 0031-9422; 1873-3700
• DOI: 10.1016/S0031-9422(01)00049-8

This review discuses the ultrastructural aspects of cell wall lignification and lignin topochemistry. Lignification results from the enzyme mediated polymerization of monolignols initiated by unknown factors (initiation sites) located at the corners of cells and in the middle lamella. Lignification results in the filling of pores within the carbohydrate matrix following a sequence from the outer regions of the wall towards the lumen. The amount and chemical characteristics of lignin vary across the cell wall, with the presence of reaction wood, and among cell types.