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Abstract
Pectin is structurally and functionally the most complex polysaccharide in plant cell
walls. Pectin has functions in plant growth, morphology, development, and plant defense
and also serves as a gelling and stabilizing polymer in diverse food and specialty
products and has positive effects on human health and multiple biomedical uses. Pectin
is a family of galacturonic acid-rich polysaccharides including homogalacturonan,
rhamnogalacturonan I, and the substituted galacturonans rhamnogalacturonan II (RG-II)
and xylogalacturonan (XGA). Pectin biosynthesis is estimated to require at least 67
transferases including glycosyl-, methyl-, and acetyltransferases. New developments
in understanding pectin structure, function, and biosynthesis indicate that these
polysaccharides have roles in both primary and secondary cell walls. Manipulation
of pectin synthesis is expected to impact diverse plant agronomical properties including
plant biomass characteristics important for biofuel production.