[Structural study of Eremurus glucomannans by electron microscopic and roentgenographic methods].

By electron microscopy and roentgenography glucomannanes from four species of Eremurus have been examined and shown to be polymorphic. Deacetylated glucomannane produces a lamellar form with a high degree of crystallinity. Partially acetylated glucomannane produces a fibrillar form representing a poorly ordered structure with a spaced (4.4 A) position of chains going in the same direction. In plants glucomannane can also exist as fibrils. The factors determining the formation of a certain supramolecular form are acetyl substitutes in the chain of the polysaccharide and the degree of its polymerization. The effect of the supramolecular structure on the properties and biological function of glucomannanes is discussed.