Cell wall cross-linking by ferulates and diferulates in grasses

Ferulate polysaccharide esters in grasses enter into free-radical condensat ion reactions in the cell wall. By radical dimerisation of ferulates, polys accharide-polysaccharide cross-linking is effected. A range of diferulate i somers are produced, not solely the 5-5'-coupled dimer which has been quant ified historically. Both ferulates and diferulates enter lignification reac tions and become intimately bound up with the lignin complex. Again, under- quantification is significant since it is not possible to release ferulate or diferulates from some of the structures. Overall, ferulates play a signi ficant role in cell wall development and impact polysaccharide utilisation in grasses. (C) 1999 Society of Chemical Industry.