lignin
Sign in to savethumb|500px|Idealized structure of lignin from a softwood Lignin is a class of complex organic polymers that form key structural materials in the support tissues of most plants. Lignins are particularly important in the formation of cell walls, especially in wood and bark, because they lend rigidity and do not rot easily. Chemically, lignins are polymers made by the cross-linking of phenolic precursors.
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Lignin is a complex organic polymer found in plants that provides structural support and rigidity, particularly in wood and bark cell walls. Because lignin resists rotting, it plays an important role in helping plants maintain their strength and durability.
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Article
14 sectionsContents
- History
- Composition and structure
- Biological function
- Economic significance
- Biosynthesis
- Biodegradation
- Lignin degradation by fungi
- Lignin degradation by bacteria
- Pyrolysis
- Chemical analysis
- See also
- References
- Further reading
- External links
thumb|500px|Idealized structure of lignin from a softwood Lignin is a class of complex organic polymers that form key structural materials in the support tissues of most plants. Lignins are particularly important in the formation of cell walls, especially in wood and bark, because they lend rigidity and do not rot easily. Chemically, lignins are polymers made by the cross-linking of phenolic precursors.
== History == Lignin was first mentioned in 1813 by the Swiss botanist A. P. de Candolle, who described it as a fibrous, tasteless material, insoluble in water and alcohol but soluble in weak alkaline solutions, and which can be precipitated from solution using acid. He named the substance "lignine", which is derived from the Latin word lignum, meaning wood. It is one of the most abundant organic polymers on Earth, exceeded only by cellulose and chitin. Lignin constitutes 30% of terrestrial non-fossil organic carbon on Earth, and 20 to 35% of the dry mass of wood.