95. Brown, Jr. R. M., Haigler, C. H., and
K. Cooper. 1982. Experimental induction of altered nonmicrofibrillar
cellulose. Science 218:1141-1142.
95. Abstract
Cellulose produced by Acetobacter xylinum
was experimentally modified during its biosynthesis. In the presence
of fluorescent brightening agents, such as Calcofluor White M2R
or Tinopal LPW, nonmicrofibrillar sheets of cellulose were synthesized
by the bacteria. These sheets could then be converted to fibrils
by washing with distilled water. Possible mechanisms for these
modifications of cellulose assembly are discussed.