cell wall organization

Definition

Target type: biologicalprocess

A process that results in the assembly, arrangement of constituent parts, or disassembly of the cell wall, the rigid or semi-rigid envelope lying outside the cell membrane of plant, fungal and most prokaryotic cells, maintaining their shape and protecting them from osmotic lysis. [GOC:mah]

Cell wall organization is a complex and essential process for plant cells, bacteria, fungi, and some protists. It involves the synthesis, assembly, and remodeling of the cell wall, which provides structural support, protection, and regulation of cell growth and development.

**In plants:**

* **Synthesis:** Cellulose microfibrils, the primary structural component of the plant cell wall, are synthesized by cellulose synthase complexes located in the plasma membrane. These complexes translocate across the membrane, extruding cellulose microfibrils into the extracellular space.
* **Assembly:** Cellulose microfibrils are embedded in a matrix of other polysaccharides, including hemicelluloses and pectins. Hemicelluloses cross-link cellulose microfibrils, providing tensile strength, while pectins create a gel-like matrix that allows for cell expansion.
* **Remodeling:** The cell wall is constantly remodeled during growth and development. Enzymes, such as expansins and xyloglucan endotransglycosylases, break down and restructure the cell wall, allowing for cell expansion and differentiation.
* **Regulation:** Cell wall organization is tightly regulated by signaling pathways and environmental cues. Hormones, such as auxin and gibberellin, play a role in regulating cell wall synthesis and remodeling.

**In bacteria:**

* **Synthesis:** Peptidoglycan, the major component of bacterial cell walls, is synthesized by a series of enzymes that assemble peptidoglycan monomers into long chains. These chains are then cross-linked by transpeptidases, forming a rigid network.
* **Assembly:** Peptidoglycan synthesis occurs at the bacterial cell membrane, where new peptidoglycan is inserted into the existing cell wall.
* **Remodeling:** The bacterial cell wall is constantly remodeled during cell growth and division. Autolysins break down peptidoglycan, allowing for the insertion of new material.
* **Regulation:** Cell wall organization in bacteria is regulated by a complex network of signaling pathways and environmental factors.

**In fungi:**

* **Synthesis:** Fungal cell walls are composed primarily of chitin, glucans, and proteins. Chitin synthesis is catalyzed by chitin synthases, while glucan synthesis is catalyzed by glucan synthases.
* **Assembly:** Chitin microfibrils and glucans are assembled into a complex network, along with proteins and other polysaccharides.
* **Remodeling:** Fungal cell walls are remodeled during growth and development. Enzymes, such as chitinases and glucanases, break down and restructure the cell wall.
* **Regulation:** Cell wall organization in fungi is regulated by a complex network of signaling pathways and environmental factors.

Overall, cell wall organization is a dynamic process that plays a crucial role in maintaining cell integrity, regulating cell growth and development, and protecting cells from environmental stresses. It is a fundamental process in a wide range of organisms, and its disruption can lead to serious consequences for cell function and survival.'
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Proteins (8)

Compounds (15)