STUDIES OF BIOSYNTHESIS OF CELLULOSE IN ALGAE VALONIA

The relationship between degree of polymerisation DPW and conversion was investigated for the cellulose of the marine algae Valonia of different ages. Furthermore the distribution curve of the degree of polymerisation was determined. The DPW was found to be near by 16 500 independently from the conversion and the growth conditions. The distribution curve shows, that 80% of the material is nearly monodisperse with a DP of about 18 500. These results are in agreement with those obtained for the cellulose of the higher plant goosypium. Therefore it is suggested, that the mechanism of the biosynthesis of cellulose is also a structure controlled one in lower plants like the algae Valonia. © 1969.