Term Information

Accession

PO:0025474

Aspect

plant anatomy

Synonyms

None

Definition

A portion of reaction wood (PO:0025472) found on the upper side of a shoot axis (PO:0025029) that is or was angled away from vertical and that has as parts gelatinous fiber cells (PO:0025422). [source: ISBN:3540411739, PO_REF:00012]

Comment

Develops as a response to gravity (tension) and may function in restoring a stem (PO:0009047) or branch (PO:0025073) that is leaning to its original position. Found in angiosperms. Secondary xylem tracheary elements (PO:0025445) in tension wood are often longer than the tracheary elements in non-tension wood of the same plant. The gelatinous fiber cells found in reaction wood have a cell wall inner layer (G layer) that contains abundant cellulose and is poor in lignin.

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External References

None.