Brown algal cell walls and development

Brown algae are complex multicellular eukaryotes whose cells possess a cell wall, which is an important structure that regulates cell size and shape. Alginate and fucose-containing sulfated polysaccharides (FCSPs) are two carbohydrate types that have major roles in influencing the mechanical properties of the cell wall (i.e. increasing or decreasing wall stiffness), which in turn regulate cell expansion, division, adhesion, and other processes; however, how brown algal cell wall structure regulates its mechanical properties, and how this relationship influences cellular growth and organismal development, is not well-understood. This chapter is focused on reviewing what we currently know about how the roles of alginates and FCSPs in brown algal developmental processes, as well as how they influence the structural and mechanical properties of cell walls. Additionally, we discuss how brown algal mutants may be leveraged to learn more about the underlying mechanisms that regulate cell wall structure, mechanics, and developmental processes, and finally we propose questions to guide future research with the use of emerging technologies.

Automated summary

Brown algae are complex multicellular eukaryotes with a cell wall that regulates cell size and shape. Alginate and fucose-containing sulfated polysaccharides (FCSPs) play crucial roles in influencing the mechanical properties of the cell wall, but their relationship with cellular growth and development is not well-understood. This chapter reviews the current knowledge on the roles of alginates and FCSPs in brown algal development, as well as their impact on cell wall structure and mechanics. It also discusses the potential of brown algal mutants in uncovering the underlying mechanisms and proposes questions for future research.