Hemicelluloses heterogeneity

Derivatives of hemicellulose components have properties similar to the ceUulosic equivalents but modified by the effects of thek lower molecular weight, more extensive branching, labile constituents, and more heterogeneous nature. Acetates, ethers, carboxymethylxylan (184), and xylan—poly(sodium acrylate) (185) have been prepared. 

Plant cell walls are complex, heterogeneous structures composed mainly of polymers, such as cellulose, hemicelluloses, and lignins. In spite of several decades of research, cell wall assembly and the biosynthesis and ultimate biodegradative pathways of individual polymers are still far from being fully understood. One simple example will suffice Even today, no enzyme capable of catalyzing cellulose formation in vitro has been obtained. 

The results of molecular-weight determinations on hemicelluloses need to be interpreted in the light of comments made earlier (see p. 461) regarding the degrees of heterogeneity possible in polysaccharides of this type. 

The hemicelluloses are polymolecular, random-coil, often branched hetero-glycans interspersed with cellulose microfibrils and starch granules in vivo. Glucose, xylose, and arabinose are the prominent sugars, although lesser quantities of galactan, mannan, etc., and minor concentrations of acetic, ferulic and uronic acids, etc., are in evidence. Heterogeneity extends to dimensions and conformation. 

In contrast to cellulases, the hemicellulases encompass a much broader suite of activities. In addition to analogue versions of endo-, exo-, and glycosidase cellulase activities, multiple debranching activities are needed to handle the high complexity of the heterogeneous hemicelluloses (Table 33.3). The varied backbone composition of hemicelluloses also adds complexity. Xylans, xyloglucans, man-nans, and numerous other minor polysaccharide chains form the backbone for different hemicelluloses. 

Hemicelluloses, the second group of plant-cell constituents, are water-insoluble polysaccharides. During the first stage of attack, hemicelluloses disappear more rapidly than cellulose. Later, hemicelluloses slow down in degradation owing to their heterogeneity. Fungi, bacteria, and actinomycetes are able to break down hemicelluloses by... 

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