PECTINASE Meaning and
Definition
-
Pectinase is an enzyme that belongs to the class of carbohydrases, specifically known as pectinolytic enzymes. It is produced by certain microorganisms, such as bacteria, fungi, and yeasts, as well as by some plants and animals. Pectinases play a crucial role in the breakdown and modification of pectin, a complex polysaccharide that is a major structural component of plant cell walls.
The primary function of pectinase is to catalyze the hydrolysis of pectin, breaking it down into smaller molecules called oligosaccharides or monosaccharides. Pectinases act on the glycosidic bonds present in pectin, which results in the depolymerization and solubilization of this complex polysaccharide. This enzymatic activity allows pectinases to have a wide range of applications in various industries.
In the food industry, pectinase is used in the processing of fruits and vegetables to enhance juice extraction, juice clarification, and promote the release of flavors. It also aids in the extraction of pectin for use as a gelling agent in jams, jellies, and other food products. In the textile industry, pectinase is used in the treatment of fabrics to remove pectin impurities and facilitate dye absorption.
Additionally, pectinases find applications in the production of biofuels, animal feed, and paper and pulp industries. They are also used in the clarification of wines and beers, as well as in the processing of dairy products. Overall, pectinases are versatile enzymes that have significant industrial importance, offering a wide array of benefits in various sectors.
Common Misspellings for PECTINASE
- oectinase
- lectinase
- -ectinase
- 0ectinase
- pwctinase
- psctinase
- pdctinase
- prctinase
- p4ctinase
- p3ctinase
- pextinase
- pevtinase
- peftinase
- pedtinase
- pecrinase
- pecfinase
- pecginase
- pecyinase
- pec6inase
- pec5inase
Etymology of PECTINASE
The word "pectinase" is derived from pectin, a complex carbohydrate found in plant cell walls, and the suffix "-ase", which usually denotes an enzyme.
The term "pectin" originates from the Greek word "pektos", meaning "congealed" or "curdled". Pectin was first isolated and named in the early 19th century by the French chemist Henri Braconnot. He found that pectin extracted from apples formed a jelly-like substance when mixed with sugar and heated.
The suffix "-ase" indicates an enzyme. It is derived from the Latin word "-āsa", which means "feminine agent". In the context of biology, it is added to the end of a word to denote an enzyme that catalyzes a specific biochemical reaction. In the case of "pectinase", the enzyme is responsible for breaking down pectin into smaller molecules.
Infographic
Add the infographic to your website:
