Conformations of Uronic Acid Containing Polysaccharides

Analyses of X-ray diffraction patterns obtained from ordered specimens of a variety of polyuronides have provided the opportunity to examine their molecular geometry in the condensed phase. A brief review is given of the simpler homopolysaccharide components of alginic acid, followed by the connective tissue polydisaccharides: hyaluronic acid, the chondroitin suiphates, dermatan sulphate, heparan sulphate and the blood anti-coagulant heparin. The interaction of these molecules with proteins and their molecular architecture in cartilage is mentioned. In addition some examples of the bacterial capsular polysaccharides are examined. In particular the three serotypes K5, K57 and K8 from Klebsiella.