Mucilage
Mucilage
Mucilage (/mjuːsɪlɪdʒ/) is a thick, gluey substance produced by nearly all plants and some microorganisms. It is a polar glycoprotein and an exopolysaccharide.
Etymology
The term "mucilage" is derived from the Latin word "mucilago", meaning a musty juice.
Definition
Mucilage is a viscous, soluble fiber that is present in a wide variety of plants. It is used by plants for storing water and food, seed germination, and thickening membranes. In addition, it is often used in medicine and various industrial applications due to its adhesive properties.
Related Terms
- Glycoprotein: A protein that has carbohydrate groups attached to the polypeptide chain.
- Exopolysaccharide: A high-molecular-weight polymer of sugar residues that is secreted by a microorganism into its external environment.
- Polysaccharide: A carbohydrate whose molecules consist of a number of sugar molecules bonded together.
- Seed Germination: The process by which an organism grows from a seed or similar structure.
Uses
Mucilage has a wide range of uses in various industries. In the food industry, it is used as a thickener and emulsifier. In the pharmaceutical industry, it is used in cough syrups and lozenges due to its soothing properties. It is also used in cosmetics as a binding agent, and in papermaking for sizing paper.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Mucilage
- Wikipedia's article - Mucilage
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