Pectic oligomers induced a rapid, transient increase in ethylene biosynthesis when added to pear cells in suspension culture. The rate of ethylene biosynthesis increased within 30 to 40 minutes after oligomer addition, reached a maximum between 90 and 120 minutes after addition, and then decreased to basal rates of synthesis. Both the rapid increase and decrease in biosynthesis appear to be pre...

Developing sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) seeds were analyzed for their fresh and dry weights, water content and wall components viz. low and high molecular weight xyloglucan and pectic polysaccharides. Seeds from two rows (6th and 12th) differing in their final dry weight and position on the capitulum were selected for the investigation. The dry weight of seed from 6th row was 69 mg while th...

This paper describes electron microscopic studies on the distribution of pectin within young plant cells. Dark-grown onion roots, from 1 to 3 mm. in length, were used. In order to make the pectic substances selectively dense to electrons, they were first reacted with basic hydroxylamine. This treatment produces pectic hydroxamic acids, which in turn were treated with ferric ion to form insolubl...

The hot water extract of dry kinkéliba leaves (DKL) is a traditionally widely delighted and consumed beverage in West Africa, especially during the fasting periods. It is believed to possess various health benefit effects such as diuretic, purgative, digestive, anti-viral and anti-malarial properties. However, the preparation of this beverage has not been optimized so far, which may underestima...

When grown in the appropriate medium, several yeast species produce pectinases able to degrade pectic substances. It is mainly exocellular endopolygalacturonases that break pectins or pectate down by hydrolysis of alpha-1,4-glycosidic linkages in a random way. Biochemical characterisation of these enzymes has shown that they have an optimal pH in the acidic region and an optimal temperature bet...

Over 130 y have passed since Charles Darwin first discovered that the adventitious roots of English ivy (Hedera helix) exude a yellowish mucilage that promotes the capacity of this plant to climb vertical surfaces. Unfortunately, little progress has been made in elucidating the adhesion mechanisms underlying this high-strength adhesive. In the previous studies, spherical nanoparticles were obse...

The mucilage envelope of seeds has various functions including the provision of different ways for the dispersal of diaspores. Chemical composition and water content of the mucilage yield particular adhesive and frictional properties in the envelope that also influence the dispersal of seeds. To determine the physical properties of Plantago lanceolata seed mucilage we studied (1) composition, (...

Rhamnogalacturonan II (RG-II) is a structurally complex pectic polysaccharide that was first identified in 1978 as a quantitatively minor component of suspension-cultured sycamore cell walls. Subsequent studies have shown that RG-II is present in the primary walls of angiosperms, gymnosperms, lycophytes, and pteridophytes and that its glycosyl sequence is conserved in all vascular plants examin...