Middle lamella acts as a cementing material between the adjacent cells in a tissue and is generally made up of calcium pectate.

The main component of the middle lamella is calcium pectate.

What is the middle lamella?
The middle lamella is a layer that lies between adjacent plant cells. It is composed of a thin layer of pectic substances, which are a type of polysaccharide.

What is calcium pectate?
Calcium pectate is a complex formed by the binding of calcium ions to pectic substances. Pectic substances are a group of polysaccharides found in the cell walls of plants. They are primarily composed of a sugar called galacturonic acid.

Role of calcium pectate in the middle lamella:
The middle lamella serves as a cementing layer between adjacent plant cells and helps to hold them together. Calcium pectate plays a crucial role in this process. Here's how:

1. Adhesion: Calcium pectate acts as an adhesive substance, helping to bind adjacent plant cells together. It forms a gel-like matrix that holds the cells in place.

2. Strength and rigidity: The presence of calcium pectate in the middle lamella contributes to the strength and rigidity of the cell wall. It helps to maintain the structural integrity of the plant tissues.

3. Cell-cell communication: The middle lamella also plays a role in cell-cell communication. It contains channels called plasmodesmata, which allow for the exchange of molecules and information between adjacent cells. Calcium pectate may help regulate the opening and closing of these channels.

4. Cell expansion: During cell growth and development, the middle lamella can undergo modifications to accommodate cell expansion. Calcium pectate can be altered to allow for cell enlargement and elongation.

Other components of the middle lamella:
In addition to calcium pectate, the middle lamella may also contain other substances such as hemicellulose, lignin, and proteins. These components contribute to the overall structure and properties of the middle lamella.

Conclusion:
In summary, the main component of the middle lamella is calcium pectate. This complex of calcium ions and pectic substances serves as an adhesive, provides strength and rigidity to the cell wall, facilitates cell-cell communication, and allows for cell expansion.