New insights into the control of cell growth.

Undoubtedly, the function of the plant cell wall in the control of cell growth far exceeds its mechanical role. The plant's monitoring of cell wall function and integrity comprises a central checkpoint to integrate cues for survival and division, expansion and differentiation, as well as fluctuations in the biotic and abiotic environment (Somerville et al., Science 306:2206-2211, 2004). With their biochemical nature yet unknown, the identification of molecular constituents of cell wall performance, and integrity control initially depends on a combination of genetic and physiological approaches.