Galactan
Galactan
Galactan (pronunciation: /ɡəˈlæktən/) is a type of polysaccharide that is composed of galactose monomers. It is found in various sources, including certain types of algae, legumes, and mushrooms.
Etymology
The term "galactan" is derived from the Greek word 'galaktos', meaning 'milk', and the suffix '-an', which is commonly used in the names of polysaccharides.
Structure and Function
Galactan is a complex carbohydrate that is made up of galactose units. These units are linked together by glycosidic bonds, forming a long chain. The structure of galactan can vary depending on the source, with some forms being linear and others being branched.
In nature, galactan serves various functions. In plants and algae, it is a component of the cell wall, providing structural support. In legumes, it is part of the Raffinose family of oligosaccharides, which are thought to play a role in the plant's defense against stress.
Related Terms
- Galactose: A type of sugar that is a component of galactan.
- Polysaccharide: A complex carbohydrate made up of many sugar units.
- Glycosidic bond: A type of covalent bond that links sugar units together.
- Raffinose family of oligosaccharides: A group of sugars that includes raffinose, stachyose, and verbascose, among others.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Galactan
- Wikipedia's article - Galactan
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