ABSTRACT
There are some evidences that the higher-order structure of polysaccharide chains is related to their physiological function as exemplified by the triple-stranded helix of scleroglucan, which is known to possess an antitumor activity. Many polysaccharide chains are able to assume an ordered or quasi-ordered structure such as a doublestranded helix, but the ordered structure is interrupted by the irregularity of the primary structure in the polysaccharide chains. Many polysaccharide chains form gel in solutions by assuming an ordered or quasi-ordered chain structure, which constitutes a cross-linking domain.
