14galacturonan

14galacturonan refers to a defined oligomer composed of fourteen galacturonic acid residues. As an oligogalacturonan (OG), it represents a short, linear fragment of pectin, typically derived from homogalacturonan, the main chain component of plant cell-wall pectin. The residues are connected by α-1,4-glycosidic bonds, producing a chain with a carboxyl group on each galacturonic acid unit. Depending on the source, these residues may be partially or fully esterified at the C-6 carboxyl group, forming methyl galacturonate units in various patterns.

In nature, 14galacturonan can arise from partial enzymatic degradation of larger pectin polysaccharides or be produced synthetically for study. Oligogalacturonides of this size are used as defined substrates in research on polygalacturonases and pectin lyases, and they serve as model compounds for investigating plant cell-wall dynamics and carbohydrate signaling. Length (degree of polymerization) influences properties such as solubility, enzyme sensitivity, and potential biological activity; OGs of different DP can elicit distinct responses in plant systems.

Analytical characterization of 14galacturonan typically involves methods such as mass spectrometry, high-performance liquid chromatography, and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy to confirm DP and esterification state. In addition to enzymology, oligogalacturonans are studied as potential elicitors of plant immune responses and as standards in carbohydrate analysis. In summary, 14galacturonan is a defined DP14 galacturonic acid oligomer that functions as a useful model substrate in pectin biochemistry and related plant science research.