Green Plant Cell Walls

    The extracellular polymeric substance or EPS of the CGA consists of complex, uronic acid-rich and sulfated polysaccharides (Kiemle et al. 2007, Domozych et al. 2005, Domozych et al. 1993). Often, the EPS is gel-like and ensheaths the cells in a protective matrix. The EPS has been shown to be involved in a wide array of processes including sexual reproduction, anti-desiccation and most importantly, specific mechanisms associated with life in biofilms (Fisher and Wilcox 1996, Fisher et al. 1998a, b, Domozych and Domozych 1993, Domozych et al. 1993, Domozych et al. 2005, Gerrath, 2003, 1993, Brook 1981). For example, EPS and arabinogalactan protein-like proteoglycans are responsible for the adhesion mechanism found in the desmid, Pleurotaenium trabecula (Domozych et al. 2007b). The localized secretion of EPS through CW pores and subsequent hygroscopic swelling provides the force for gliding motility in desmids like Closterium (Domozych et al. 1993).
Inclusive references above may be accessed in CGA References section.

To learn more about the EPS of CGA, please link to the following papers:
Biochemistry of EPS.
CGA and their role in wetland biofilms.


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