Cell wall synthesis is an integral component of the events occurring during plant cell growth and development. Cell wall synthesis is sensitive to drought stress and other forms of environmental stress which affect cell growth and development. Several glycoconjugates have been identified which appear to function as cell wall precursors and their concentrations can be monitored by glycoconjugate analysis. Aberrations in the normal sequence of appearance and disappearance of these compounds can be taken as indicators of abnormal cell wall synthesis and consequently abnormal growth and development. Such aberrations in the developmental sequence of glycoconjugates have been observed for both low temperature stress and drought stress. Glycoconjugate Analysis (GCA) appears to be a sensitive method by which to monitor cotton fiber development and has the potential to identify abnormal development in cotton fibers. Structural studies currently in progress on the glycoconjugates will greatly facilitate our understanding of the role of these glycoconjugates in cell wall synthesis and significance of abnormal developmental patterns.