Structure and properties of pectin?
Answers
Pectin is a polysaccharide that is used as setting and thickening agent in jelly and jam. It is present naturally in the ripe fruits such as apples, berries. Pectin has a complex strucutre that consist of esterified D-galacturonic acid residing in alpha-(1-4) chain. Methyl or acetyl groups are present on the side chain of acid and sometimes neutral sugars are also present. Pectin is powder of white color, is odorless and from gel when dissolved in water.
Answer:
The biological function of pectin is to cross-link cellulose and hemicellulose fibers, providing rigidity to the cell wall. Pectin is also a major component of the middle lamella, where it helps to bind cells together. Pectin contains a polysaccharide backbone with an a-(1 -->4)-linked D-galacturonic acid.
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