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Pectin is cell wall polysaccharides which are composed of the linear polymers of D-galactopyranosyluronic acid units which are joined by the glycosidic linkage. Homogalacturonan  is the most abundant polysaccharide of the pectin. The glycosidic acid group may combine as a methyl ester or sodium, potassium, calcium or ammonium salts.

Some of the important properties of the pectin are:

  1. The peculiar physical property of the pectin is the ability to form spreadable gels.
  2. The softening of the fruits at the time of ripening is due to the loss of the cohesion in the pectin gel.
  3. The pectin is found in the powder as well as in the liquid form.
  4. Pectin is used as the gelling agent it is also used as the thickener.
  5. Pectin is a complex carbohydrate which is extracted from the plant cell wall.
  6. The small pectin fragments are useful as anti-cancer agents since they can bind and inhibit the various actions of the pro metastatic protein.
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