Xylan
What is Xylan?
Xylan is a polysaccharide that forms a major component of plant hemicellulose, consisting of a backbone of β-(1→4)-linked D-xylopyranose residues with various side chain substituents such as arabinose, glucuronic acid, and acetyl groups depending on the plant source. It is the second most abundant polysaccharide in nature after cellulose and is found in the cell walls of hardwoods, cereals, and grasses. Xylan can be hydrolyzed by the enzyme xylanase to yield xylose, which is used in the production of xylitol, biofuels, and other bio-based chemicals.
Key Facts
Frequently Asked Questions
Xylan is a polysaccharide that forms a major component of plant hemicellulose, consisting of a backbone of β-(1→4)-linked D-xylopyranose residues with various side chain substituents such as arabinose, glucuronic acid, and acetyl groups depending on the plant source. It is the second most abundant polysaccharide in nature after cellulose and is found in the cell walls of hardwoods, cereals, and grasses. Xylan can be hydrolyzed by the enzyme xylanase to yield xylose, which is used in the production of xylitol, biofuels, and other bio-based chemicals.