Presence of xyloglucan-like polysaccharide in Spirogyra and possible involvement in cell-cell attachment

By methylation analysis, it was found that the cell walls of Spirogyra contained 4,6-linked glucose, 4-linked glucose and terminal xylose, which could be components of xyloglucan. Immunocytochemical analysis was carried out using an anti-serum against xyloglucan. After removal of pectic substances, the cell walls of both rhizoid cells and inner cells were stained. Crude protein extract from Spirogyra had a hydrolase activity for xyloglucans. In addition, the exogenously applied xyloglucan prevented the detachment of the cell wall of the severed cell. Involvement of xyloglucan-like polysaccharide in cell-cell attachment was discussed.