Food hydrocolloid diversity - Pectin

7 important questions on Food hydrocolloid diversity - Pectin

What determines the functionality in pectins?

  • Low/high methylation
  • Molecular weight
  • Distribution of the methyl groups along the pectin backbone

What different distributions of methyl groups in pectin molecules are there?

  • Random
  • Sequential
  • Block-wise
  • Combination of these 3

Which enzyme can result in a blockwise distribution of the methyl esters?

PME (pectin methyl esterase). It cleaves the methyl groups one by one off the galacturonic backbone.
  • Higher grades + faster learning
  • Never study anything twice
  • 100% sure, 100% understanding
Discover Study Smart

What is the degree of blockiness (DB)?

The amount of non-methyl esterified galacturonic acids. It is a measure for the calcium sensitivity. The more non-methyl esterified  galacturonic acids, the higher the calcium sensitivity.

How can the differences in methyl ester distribution be revealed?

Enzymatic fingerprinting. Endopolygalacturonases (PG) split the backbone where it is not hindered by methyl esters substitution.
  • Sequential --> no place for PG
  • Blockwise --> ideal substrate, release of high levels of mono-, di- and trimers

The degraded pectin can be measured with size-exclusion chromatography or by LC-MS.

What can be the result from differences in level and distribution of methyl esters in pectins?

  • The action of pectin methyl esterase in the fruit before pectin extraction
  • Extraction procedures

Where can acetyl in xanthan be in the side chain?

At the inner mannose residue or at the terminal mannose, or both

The question on the page originate from the summary of the following study material:

  • A unique study and practice tool
  • Never study anything twice again
  • Get the grades you hope for
  • 100% sure, 100% understanding
Remember faster, study better. Scientifically proven.
Trustpilot Logo