Hyaluronic acid (HA) is cleared from the blood by liver endothelial cells through receptor-mediated endocytosis [Eriksson, Fraser, Laurent, Pertoft & Smedsrod (1983) Exp. Cell Res. 144, 223-238]. We have measured the capacity of cultured rat liver endothelial cells to endocytose and degrade 125I-HA (Mr approximately 44,000) at 37 degrees C. Endocytosis was linear for 3 h and then reached a plat...

The three-dimensional structure of a complex between the pectate lyase C (PelC) R218K mutant and a plant cell wall fragment has been determined by x-ray diffraction techniques to a resolution of 2.2 A and refined to a crystallographic R factor of 18.6%. The oligosaccharide substrate, alpha-D-GalpA-([1-->4]-alpha-D-GalpA)3-(1-->4)-D-GalpA , is composed of five galacturonopyranose units (D-GalpA)...

Pectic substances have generally been thought to be the principal binding agents between plant cells (12). These pectins are considered to be largely pectic acid because the middle lamella stains with ruthenium red (8). Ginzberg (7) considers that protein and metals are also important binding agents between the cells of the root tip of Alaska pea seedlings. There is, however, a need for further...

Banana is one of the most important fruits over the world. The chemical composition is critical for the organoleptic properties and health benefits. As one of the leading bioactive components in banana pulp, the polysaccharides may contribute to the beneficial health effects. However, their precise structure information remains unknown. A leading acidic polysaccharide (ABPP) of banana pulp was ...

In this work, a pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) was used as the model substance for secondary stickies. The dissolved and colloidal substances (DCS) prepared from bleached chemithermomechanical pulp (BCTMP) and the effects of pectinase treatment on the stickies deposition were evaluated. The results showed that the addition of DCS lowered the efficiency of cationic polymers and aggravated the...

In a previous study (26) of changes in chemical composition of tung fruit from June 28 through November 29, 1940, it was shown that oil, sucrose, and protein accumulated in tung kernels and that starch and reducing sugar disappeared towards the end of this period. Appreciable quantities of nitrogen and carbohydrates disappeared from the hull as the fruits approached maturity and probably were i...

Atomic force microscopy (AFM) allows the analysis of individual polymers at nanostructural level with a minimal sample preparation. This technique has been used to analyse the pectin disassembly process during the ripening and postharvest storage of several fleshy fruits. In general, pectins analysed by AFM are usually visualized as isolated chains, unbranched or with a low number of branchs an...