Remodelling Pectin Structure In Potato

Abstract

Pectin is a collection of polysaccharides, which play an important role in controlling the pore size of the plant cell wall, regulating cell-cell adhesion, and providing a source of signalling molecules that elicit a range of cellular responses. Apart from this, pectins are of interest because they are an attractive hydrocolloid for various food applications. The kind and distribution of decorative groups in the pectic molecules largely determines for which application a particular pectin is most suitable. After the extraction of starch from potato tubers, a by-product is obtained, which is relatively rich in pectin. However, the quality of these pectins is poor compared to that from other sources such as citrus and apple. Rather than trying to change the structural cha.racteristics of potato pectin post-harvest, we have embarked on achieving this in the potato plant itself. This paper summarises the structural features of pectin, the distribution of various peetic epitopes in tuber cell walls, the enzymes involved in its biosynthesis and degradation, and strategies employed to alter its fine structure in planta.