Protopectin structure

Mention has already been made of the numerous effects attendant upon chemical substitutions on the polysaccharide linear chain. Natural branches impart a dispersion stability to amylopectin that is not afforded amylose. One only has to compare cellulose ethers, deesterified chitin, and the lysis product of protopectin with the underivatized parent compound to appreciate the impact of chemical substituents on functionality. The loosening of compact, parallel structures with alkyl, hydroxyalkyl, and alkoxyl groups facilitates hydration and transforms insoluble, refractory polysaccharides to soluble, reactive polysaccharides. Not only do these substituents obstruct the crystallization tendency, they almost always confer secondary functionalities like q enhancement and foam, suspension, and freeze-thaw stabilization. 

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