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Abstract
Hemicelluloses are polysaccharides in plant cell walls that have beta-(1-->4)-linked
backbones with an equatorial configuration. Hemicelluloses include xyloglucans, xylans,
mannans and glucomannans, and beta-(1-->3,1-->4)-glucans. These types of hemicelluloses
are present in the cell walls of all terrestrial plants, except for beta-(1-->3,1-->4)-glucans,
which are restricted to Poales and a few other groups. The detailed structure of the
hemicelluloses and their abundance vary widely between different species and cell
types. The most important biological role of hemicelluloses is their contribution
to strengthening the cell wall by interaction with cellulose and, in some walls, with
lignin. These features are discussed in relation to widely accepted models of the
primary wall. Hemicelluloses are synthesized by glycosyltransferases located in the
Golgi membranes. Many glycosyltransferases needed for biosynthesis of xyloglucans
and mannans are known. In contrast, the biosynthesis of xylans and beta-(1-->3,1-->4)-glucans
remains very elusive, and recent studies have led to more questions than answers.