GALACTANS ARE A DYNAMIC COMPONENT OF FLAX CELL-WALLS

Various galactose-containing polymers from flax (Linum usitatissimum L .) cell walls were characterized, and the changes in their contents in intact flax plants were followed, Label distribution after 40-min pla nt feeding with (CO2)-C-14 (0.03%) was traced for a month, A substanti al decrease in the radioactivity of galactose in the cell wall matrix was observed along with a simultaneous increase in the radioactivity o f other monosaccharides, This evidence indicates a breakdown of some g alactans, which might occur during flax fiber maturation.