Incorporation of D-(U-14C)glucose and 14CO2 into the cell-wall polymers of flax hypocotyl, in the course of the fibre differentiation

Cellulose deposits in the fibres of flax hypocotyl were observed on transverse sections of the distal part, after several days of plant growth under continuous light. The secondary cellulose of the fibres was not labelled preferentially when a pulse of 14CO2 was given. Conversely, the D-[U-14C]glucose was well incorporated into the fibre secondary cellulose, whatever the day of the pulse. The glucose was, first incorporated into storage polysaccharides (probably starch) and used when needed, for secondary cellulose deposits.