ABSTRACT
References .......................................................................................................................... 397
Pectins are a complex group of structural heteropolysaccharides containing mostly galacturo-
nic acid units. They are present in the primary cell walls and middle lamella of many plants,
where they are frequently associated with other cell wall components, such as cellulose,
hemicellulose, and lignin. They can be found in different tissues, but are particularly abun-
dant in fruits and young tissues [1,2]. Commercially extracted pectins, either by themselves or
in combination with other biopolymers, have found extensive use as gelling and thickening
agents in foods.
