Introduction A cotton fiber is a cell with a multiple layered cell wall that grows with other fiber cells on a seed. The environment around the cotton fiber defines its growth and quality. Growth and death of a cotton fiber When a cotton fiber shoots up, its growth phase has begun. The fiber gets taller and taller for 16 days. Then, it starts making cellulose to strengthen its primary cell wall, and once that's over it starts making cellulose to increase the density of its secondary cell wall. In about 50 days, the fiber is fully grown and cell dies off. All that's left of the cell is their cell wall, which determines the quality of the cotton. Bibliography Click the link for further information! Why is cotton in everything? - Michael R. Stiff