Pectic materials, definition

It is clear, however, that the extensive problems concerning phytochemical relationships which have been raised as the result of the work summarized in this review cannot be resolved in the present state of knowledge. So far, in spite of the considerable attention given by many workers in this difficult field, little more than a preliminary survey of the possibilities has been achieved. Further investigations, which will almost certainly require novel methods of approach, will be necessary in order to decide unequivocally the structural formulas of the components of pectic materials, and only when such further knowledge is available will it be feasible to reach definite conclusions regarding their phytochemical relationships. 

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