Conformation and aggregation of a polysaccharide: In solution, as transported in Golgi vesicles, and in an extracellular matrix

S. Trachtenberg*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

6 Scopus citations

Abstract

The structure of the extracellular matrix polysaccharide (ECMP) of Opuntia ficus-indica was studied by transmission and scanning transmission electron microscopy and image analysis. In isolated form, in solution, the ECMP appears long and unbranched. Linear mass measurements indicate that, in solution, aggregation of the polysaccharide chains into bundles occurs. The gelling properties at various pHs and the structure of the gels' junction zones were studied by using Alcian blue 8GX as an artificial gelling agent. The ECMP-Alcian blue junction zones are electrostatic in nature. They are constructed from parallel ECMP strands cross-bridged by Alcian blue molecules with lateral and axial repeats of 30 and 35 Å, respectively. Similar structures can be formed with polygalacturonic, alginic, and hyaluronic acids and heparin. Parallel studies on the polysaccharides morphology, as transported in Golgi vesicles and in the extracellular matrix, were carried out on thin sections stained for polysaccharides.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)89-102
Number of pages14
JournalJournal of Ultrastructure Research and Molecular Structure Research
Volume97
Issue number1-3
DOIs
StatePublished - 1986
Externally publishedYes

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