Pectin

Pectin is a heterosaccharide derived from the cell wall of plants. Pectins are variable in their chain lengths; complexity; and the order of each of the monosaccharide units.

Biosynthesis

They are synthesised in the plant Golgi apparatus and form a matrix in which the hemicellulose polysacharides of the plant cell are embedded. An important part of fruit walls, pectin is broken down to pectinic acid and finally pectic acid. During this chemical breakdown process, the fruit gets softer as the cell walls degenerate.

Related Topics:
Golgi apparatus - Hemicellulose - Pectinic acid - Pectic acid

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