| Definition: |
A microfibril composed of cellulose arranged in orthogonal layers. Cellulose is a straight chain polysaccharide composed of B(14) linked glucose subunits. It is a major component of plant cell walls. Higher plant microfibrils are about 10nm in diameter and extremely long in relation to their width. The cellulose molecules are oriented parallel to the long axis of the microfibril in a paracrystalline array, which provides great tensile strength. The microfibrils are held in place by the wall matrix and their orientation is closely controlled by the cell. |