title: Cellulose microfibrils: visualization of biosynthetic and orienting complexes in association with the plasma membrane.
abstract: Cellulose microfibril biosynthesis, assembly, and orientation in the unicellular green alga, Oocystis, is visualized in association with a linear enzyme complex embedded in the B face of the plasma membrane. Granule bands of the A face and complementary ridges of the B face are postulated to assist in the orientation of recently synthesized microfibrils. A model for microfibril synthesis and orientation is proposed and correlated with current hypotheses regarding cellulose biosynthesis in higher plants.
mesh_terms: D002462:Cell Membrane / Q000378:metabolism; D002482:Cellulose / Q000096:biosynthesis* / Q000378:metabolism; D000460:Chlorophyta / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D005613:Freeze Etching
chemical_list: D002482:Cellulose