Lichenin

Lichenin
Lichenin
Identifiers
CAS number 1402-10-4
Properties
Molecular formula (C6H10O5)x
Molar mass Variable
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Except where noted otherwise, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C, 100 kPa)
Infobox references

Lichenin, also known as lichenan or moss starch, is a complex glucan occurring in certain species of lichens. It can be extracted from Cetraria islandica (Iceland moss).[1] It has been studied since about 1957.[2] Chemically, lichenin consists of repeating glucose units linked by β-1,3 and β-1,4 glycosidic bonds.[3]

It is an important carbohydrate for reindeers and northern flying squirrels, which eat the lichen wila.

It can be extracted by digesting Iceland moss in a cold, weak solution of carbonate of soda for some time, and then boiling. By this process the lichenin is dissolved and on cooling separates as a colorless jelly. Iodine imparts no color to it.[4]

Other uses of the name

In his 1960 novel Trouble with Lichen, John Wyndham gives the name Lichenin to a biochemical extract of lichen used to extend life expectancy beyond 300 years.

References

  1. ^ Perlin, A.S.; Perlin AS, Suzuki S (1962). "The Structure Of Lichenin: Selective Enzymolysis Studies". Canadian Journal of Chemistry (Canada: National Research Council of Canada) 40 (1): 50–56. doi:10.1139/v62-009. 
  2. ^ Cunningham, WL; Cunningham WL, Manners DJ (March 1964). "Studies on carbohydrate-metabolizing enzymes. 11. The hydrolysis of lichenin by enzyme preparations from malted barley and Rhizopus arrhizus". The Biochemical journal (England: Published by Portland Press on behalf of the Biochemical Society) 90 (3): 596–602. ISSN 0264-6021. PMC 1202740. PMID 5833367. http://www.pubmedcentral.nih.gov/articlerender.fcgi?tool=pmcentrez&artid=1202740. 
  3. ^ A.S. Perlin and S. Suzuki (1962). "The Structure of Lichenin: Selective Enzymolysis Studies". Canadian Journal of Chemistry 40: 50–56. doi:10.1139/v62-009. 
  4. ^ Wikisource-logo.svg This article incorporates text from a publication now in the public domain"Lichenin". New International Encyclopedia. 1905. 



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Look at other dictionaries:

  • Lichenin — Li chen*in (l[imac] k[e^]n*[i^]n), n. (Chem.) A substance isomeric with starch, extracted from several species of moss and lichen, esp. from Iceland moss. [1913 Webster] …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • Lichenīn — (Moosstärke, Flechtenstärke), C12H10O10, das Stärkmehl der Flechten, ist amorph u. gleichförmig durch die Zellen der Flechten verbreitet, in kaltem Wasser wenig löslich; ist von der gewöhnlichen Stärke dadurch unterschieden, daß es mit heißem… …   Pierer's Universal-Lexikon

  • Lichenīn — (Flechtenstärke, Moosstärke) C6H10O5 findet sich in vielen Flechten, auch in Algen und Moosen, aber nie in der Form von Körnchen. Aus einer Abkochung von entbittertem isländischen Moos wird es durch Alkohol gefällt. Es ist farblos, durchscheinend …   Meyers Großes Konversations-Lexikon

  • Lichenin — Lichenīn, Flechtenstärke, der nährende Bestandteil mancher Flechten, bes. im Isländ. Moos …   Kleines Konversations-Lexikon

  • Lichenin — Strukturformel Allgemeines Name Lichenin CAS Nummer …   Deutsch Wikipedia

  • Lichenin — Li|che|nin 〈n. 11; Bot.〉 zelluloseartige Substanz in den Zellwänden der Flechten * * * Li|che|nin [lat. lichen (griech. leiche̅̓n) = Flechte (Med.); ↑ in (3)], das; s, e; Syn.: Flechtenstärke, Moosstärke: in Isländischem Moos u. a. Flechten… …   Universal-Lexikon

  • lichenin — /luy keuh nin/, n. Chem. a white, gelatinous, polysaccharide starch, (C6H10O5)n, obtained from various lichens. [1830 40; LICHEN + IN2] * * * …   Universalium

  • lichenin — noun A glucan found in some lichens …   Wiktionary

  • lichenin — A variety of polysaccharide obtained from Iceland moss; used as a demulcent. SYN: moss starch. * * * li·chen·in lī kə nən n a gelatinous polysaccharide (C6H10O5)n composed of glucose units and found esp. in several species of moss and lichen and… …   Medical dictionary

  • Lichenin — Li|che|nin 〈n.; Gen.: s, Pl.: e; Bot.〉 zelluloseartige Substanz in den Zellwänden der Flechten …   Lexikalische Deutsches Wörterbuch

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