CELL WALL DYNAMICS 65 



a physical interaction of the general sort discussed. The asbestos 

 silicate chain resembles a distorted cellulose chain in which oxygen 

 atoms can serve as H-bond acceptors. Dowex combines in a single 

 high molecular weight substance the polymerization-directing 

 capacity of polysaccharides with the catalytic activity of a perox- 

 idase-mimicking polymer. 



The experimental picture which may, therefore, be constructed 

 places cell walls in a strategic position in the processes of lignifica- 

 tion. Their role is somewhat unique insofar as they favor the process 

 of polymerization on their surfaces while the mileau of a homogene- 

 ous reaction solution favors dimerization instead. They clearly lack 

 the high order of specificity commonly associated with the genie 

 "template", but in consideration of their limited directive pro- 

 perties, seem to act as a "matrix", and have been so named. 



