Pectins are the most structurally complex polysaccharides in plant cell walls and determining their chemical structure and precise biological roles still provides a significant challenge. However, in the last decade, the information available on pectin structure has increased considerably, and our understanding of the structure-function relationships of pectins in the context of plant cell walls is beginning to derive a major impetus from the development of new methodologies and the molecular and genetic dissection of the biological basis of plant growth. This book sets out to provide state-of-the-art reviews of key areas relating to the structure and function of pectins in both foods and developing plant systems. The book covers not only the chemical structure, biosynthesis and degradation of these important biopolymers in plants, but also their biophysical properties, their links to other wall components and their cell and developmental biology.
