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Lignin is not a protein but it the "cement" that binds cellulose together to give plants and trees its structural strength. Lignin offers rigidity (so trees have more lignin than plants) whereas cellulose offers load bearing capability (like iron rods in reinforced concrete).

The equivalent of lignin in animals is collagen, which is a protein.

An interesting fact linking these two structural support molecules, lignin in plants, and collagen in animals, is that both the biomolecules require oxygen for their synthesis. So nature could have only created multicellular organisms with structure after oxygen became abundant on earth. The abundance of oxygen itself was triggered by single cell bacteria that "excreted" oxygen when they made food from sunlight. So nature "bootstrapped" larger living creatures using the excretion of single cell life.

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What is a lignin in the plants?

Lignin is a complex organic polymer found in the cell walls of plants. It provides structural support to the plant cells and helps transport water through the plant. Lignin is responsible for the rigidity and strength of plant tissues.


A scientist has analyzed the chemicals that make of a sample of an unknown substance Which chemicals would be the best indicator that the unknown substance is a plant?

Chlorophyll, cellulose, and lignin are common chemicals found in plants that would be good indicators that the unknown substance is of plant origin. Chlorophyll is responsible for photosynthesis, cellulose is a structural component of plant cell walls, and lignin provides structural support to plants.


What are the two tissues that are thickened by lignin?

The two types of tissues that are thickened by lignin are xylem and sclerenchyma. Xylem is responsible for water transport and provides structural support in plants, while sclerenchyma consists of supportive tissues that have thickened cell walls, often found in stems and seeds. The presence of lignin in these tissues enhances their rigidity and durability.


What is 'lignin'?

Lignin is a complex polysaccharide (therefore a carbohydrate). http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Lignin_structure.svg There are no amino acids, nitrogenous bases, or fatty acids-- therefore lignin must be a carbohydrate and have sexy glycosidic linkages. Wikipedia says it so it must be true. ~Period 1 AP Bio (Fowler)


What is the substance that makes a plant woody?

The substance which makes plants woody is lignin. The wood part of plants ( bark in trees ) is made entirely of xylem which is the transport vessel that carries water from the roots to the leaves. Since wood is made of lignified xylem which is very hard, it makes it woody and hard.

Related Questions

Which of these is an example of structural protein in plants?

Lignin


What is structural protein in plants?

Cellulose is the structural protein in plants.


What is a lignin in the plants?

Lignin is a complex organic polymer found in the cell walls of plants. It provides structural support to the plant cells and helps transport water through the plant. Lignin is responsible for the rigidity and strength of plant tissues.


What is lignin where is it present?

Lignin is a complex organic polymer found in the cell walls of plants, providing structural support and rigidity. It is primarily present in the woody tissues of plants, such as trees and shrubs, as well as in other vascular plants like grasses.


Cellulose is the main component of what?

Glucose .


What are lignified cells?

Lignified cells are specialized plant cells that have been strengthened by the deposition of lignin, a complex polymer that provides structural support and rigidity to the plant. These cells are important for structural support in plants, particularly in woody tissues such as stems and branches.


What are the example of stuctural polyssacharides?

Structural polysaccharides are the polysaccharides that are found to form the structure of an organism. Eg. Cellulose - in plants Chitin - found in outer skeleton of insects and crabs Lignin - wood


Why is it surprising to find lignin in aquatic plants?

Lignin is a biopolymer that gives support to vascular plants, and is thought to have evolved after aquatic plants took on land. many aquatic plants produce lignin or lignin-like polyphenols however. There is still debate on distinguishing terrestrial from aquatic plant lignin.


Is lignin a sugar alcohol?

No, lignin is not a sugar alcohol. Lignin is a complex organic polymer found in the cell walls of plants, providing structural support and rigidity. Sugar alcohols, on the other hand, are a type of carbohydrate that are commonly used as sweeteners in foods and beverages.


What is the structural polysaccaride found in plant cells?

cell wall Cell walls are found in plants and not in animal cells; however, fungi also have cell walls and they are not plants or animals.


What is protein used for in plants?

proteins in plants are mainly enzymes and structural molecules. Cellulose is not a protein, but chloroplasts contain proteins. Hope this helps!


What is the source of lignin in soil?

The source of lignin in the soil is dead plants.