Acts in the modification of cell walls via demethylesterification of cell wall pectin. [(1->4)-alpha-D-galacturonosyl methyl ester](n) + n H2O = [(1->4)-alpha-D-galacturonosyl](n) + n H(+) + n methanol Glycan metabolism; pectin degradation; 2-dehydro-3-deoxy-D-gluconate from pectin: step 1/5. Expressed in flowers, siliques, floral stems and rosettes leaves. Expressed throughout silique development. The PMEI region may act as an autoinhibitory domain and prevent untimely PME activity during transport. In the N-terminal section; belongs to the PMEI family. In the C-terminal section; belongs to the pectinesterase family.