Calcium and the cell wall

Abstract

Abstract. From this brief review it appears that the interactions between calcium ions and cell walls play a key role in plant physiology. Calcium ions are involved in many mechnisms: for example, stabilization of cell wall structures, acidic growth, ion exchange properties, control of the activities of wall enzymes. All these properties originate from the tight binding of calcium ions to the pectins present in the cell walls. The factor most important for controlling wall behaviour is the density of non‐diffusible charges and, due to its high affinity, calcium can significantly affect this factor. We also discuss the theoretical ion exchange models in relation to the specific role of calcium ions.