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Structure of plant cell walls. X. Rhamnogalacturonan I, a structurally complex pectic polysaccharide in the walls of suspension-cultured sycamore cells

Journal Article · · Plant Physiol.; (United States)
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1104/pp.66.6.1128· OSTI ID:6603057

The purification and characterization of a pectic polymer, rhamnogalacturonan I, present in the primary cell walls of dicots is described. Rhamnogalacturonan I accounts for approximately 7% of the mass of the walls isolated from suspension-cultured sycamore cells. As purified, rhamnogalacturonan I has a molecular weight of approximately 200,000 and is composed primarily of L-rhamnosyl, D-galacturonosyl, L-arabinosyl, and D-galactosyl residues. The backbone of rhamnogalacturonan I is thought to be composed predominantly of D-galacturonosyl and L-rhamnosyl residues in a ratio of approximately 2:1. About half of the L-rhamnosyl residues are 2-linked and are glycosidically attached to C/sub 4/ of a D-galacturonosyl residue. The other half of the L-rhamnosyl residues are 2,4-linked and have a D-galacturonosyl residue glycosidically attached at C/sub 2/. Sidechains averaging 6 residues in length are attached to C/sub 4/ of the L-rhamnosyl residues. There are many different sidechains, containing variously linked L-arabinosyl, and/or D-galactosyl residues.

Research Organization:
Univ. of Colorado, Boulder
OSTI ID:
6603057
Journal Information:
Plant Physiol.; (United States), Journal Name: Plant Physiol.; (United States) Vol. 66:6; ISSN PLPHA
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English