Occurrence, Function and Biosynthesis of Lignins

Introduction Historical Outline Occurrence in the Plant Kingdom According to Type of Plant According to Plant Tissue Contribution to Dry Matter Annual Global Synthesis Ultrastructure of Wood and Lignocellulose Role of Lignin in the Biopolymer Matrix Interactions with Other Cell-wall Polymers Functions of Lignin Stability of Plant Tissues Protection against Biodegradation Regulation of Water Transport Other Functions Related to Plant Evolution and Systematics Precursors of Biosynthesis Biosynthesis Transport Established Pathways Radical Polymerization Labeling Experiments Recent Findings, Hypotheses, and Controversies Regulation of Lignification Expression of Enzymes and Genes Effects of Genetic Manipulation Patents Keywords: algae; angiosperm; biodegradation; biomechanic; plant cell wall; cellulose; cryptogram; plant evolution; fern; grass; gymnosperm; hemicellulose; humification; lignins; lignin–polysaccharide complex; monocotyledon; moss; phenolic acids; plant systematic; pectin; structural protein; suberin; water transport; wood