Abstract

Lignin Biosynthesis Complications Lignin is a polymer that lends its sturdy properties to wood and makes plant cell walls tougher, which creates problems for chemists converting cellulosic plant biomass into biofuels. Vanholme et al. (p. 1103 , published online 15 August; see the cover) have identified a new step in the biosynthetic pathway of lignin in Arabidopsis in which caffeoyl shikimate esterase catalyzes synthesis of caffeate. Cellulose from mutant plants, which had reduced amounts of lignin, was more efficiently processed into glucose.