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Cactaceae mucilage composition
Author(s) -
Saag Lothar Mindt Karl,
Sanderson George R.,
Moyna Patrick,
Ramos Gerardo
Publication year - 1975
Publication title -
journal of the science of food and agriculture
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.782
H-Index - 142
eISSN - 1097-0010
pISSN - 0022-5142
DOI - 10.1002/jsfa.2740260716
Subject(s) - mucilage , polysaccharide , chemistry , food science , composition (language) , botany , biology , biochemistry , linguistics , philosophy
Determination of the main structural features of the mucilages from Opuntia monacantha, Opuntia nopalea‐coccinillifera, Cereus peruvianus and Wigginsia erinacea by hydrolysis and methylation indicated that these polysaccharides have some similarity to both pectic polysaccharides and gum exudates, and, consequently, may provide an alternative source of industrial raw materials. The chemical composition of the mucilages is consistent with a role in the storage of moisture in Cactaceae and may be used to provide a useful method of taxonomy within the family.