Scientists at the University of Adelaide in Australia have discovered a new type of complex carbohydrate in barley, a polysaccharide. This is also the first time scientists have discovered such carbohydrates, which are expected to be used in food, medicine and other fields.
A polysaccharide is a carbohydrate formed by the combination of different simple sugar molecular chains. Studies have shown that new carbohydrates are basically composed of glucose and xylose. Glucose is the most abundant monosaccharide, and xylose is commonly found in the embryos of most edible plants.
Moreover, depending on the ratio between glucose and xylose, the new carbohydrate can take two different forms: a viscous gel or a harder substance.
The latest research author, Alan Leiter, a senior scientist at the University of Adelaide, said the newly discovered polysaccharide is expected to be used in food, medicine, cosmetics and many other fields. “The understanding of this new polysaccharide can further determine its role in plants. It is now known that it can be found in barley roots, suggesting that it may play a role in promoting plant growth or resisting external stresses such as salinity or disease. By observing the natural variation of this polysaccharide in different cereal crops, we will determine the association between it and important agricultural properties."
Currently, polysaccharides are mainly used to improve the quality of nutrients in certain foods. Once researchers learn more about this new compound, its potential applications will become clearer. Lit said: "We can manipulate the properties of new polysaccharides to meet people's needs and increase their potential use."
In addition, the researchers also discovered genes involved in the biosynthesis of this new polysaccharide. The same genes can be found in all major cereal crops. Lit believes that the discovery of these genes may be important. "We can now use this knowledge to find ways to increase this polysaccharide in crops and provide a range of plant materials with different physical properties for industrial applications."
PE Coated Viscose,Soft PE Film,PE Coated Fabric,PE Film Coated Viscose,PE Laminated Viscose
XINLE HUABAO MEDICAL PRODUCTS CO.,LTD. , http://www.golbaltravel.com