Connecting Homogalacturonan-Type Pectin Remodeling to Acid Growth

Abstract

According to the 'acid growth theory', cell wall acidification controls cell elongation, therefore plant growth. This notably involves changes in cell wall mechanics through modifications of cell wall polysaccharide structure. Recently, advances in cell biology showed that changes in cell elongation rate can be mediated by the remodeling of pectins, and in particular of homogalacturonans (HGs). Their demethylesterification appears to be a key element controlling the chemistry and the rheology of the cell wall. We postulate that precise and dynamic modulation of extracellular pH plays a central role in the control of HG-modifying enzyme activities, and in particular those of pectin methylesterases and polygalacturonases. We propose that acid growth requires dynamic HG remodeling through the tight control of cell wall pH.

Keywords: apoplast; growth; pH; pectin-remodeling enzymes; stiffness.