STUDIES ON THE HETEROGENEITY OF CARRAGEENIN

Abstract

The carbohydrate residues in κ-carrageenin are 3,6-anhydro-D-galactose and D-galactose which are present in nearly equal amounts. Tests following fractional precipitation of κ-carrageenin indicate general chemical homogeneity but physical heterogeneity. κ-Carrageenin is not susceptible to oxidation with periodate. Fractional precipitation of λ-carrageenin separates a main fraction which contains only D-galactose and a trace of 3,6-anhydro-D-galactose. This polysaccharide is susceptible to periodate oxidation. It is polydisperse on a mass basis. Materials containing glucose, xylose, and L-galactose segregate into minor fractions of λ-carrageenin and hence cannot be integral parts of the principal polysaccharides of carrageenin. L-Galactose has been isolated from carrageenin by a simple procedure.