galakturonihaposta

Galakturonihappo is a uronic acid derived from galactose. It is a key component of pectin, a complex carbohydrate found in the cell walls of plants. Pectin plays a crucial role in plant structure, providing rigidity and acting as a cementing agent between plant cells. Galacturonic acid itself is a carboxylic acid, meaning it contains a carboxyl group (-COOH).

In its polymeric form within pectin, galacturonic acid residues are typically linked together by alpha-(1->4) glycosidic bonds. This linear chain can be further modified by methylation of its carboxyl groups, influencing the gelling properties of pectin. The presence of galacturonic acid is responsible for many of the functional properties of pectin, such as its ability to form gels in the presence of sugar and acid, making it widely used in the food industry as a thickener and gelling agent. It is also found in various biotechnological applications.