Lichenin

Lichenin

Names
Other names Lichenan; Moss starch
Identifiers
CAS Number	1402-10-4  Y
ChEBI	CHEBI:6452  N
ChemSpider	none
ECHA InfoCard	100.014.323
PubChem CID	439241  monomer
UNII	M7F3LRN53I  Y
CompTox Dashboard (EPA)	DTXSID40930736
Properties
Chemical formula	(C6H10O5)x
Molar mass	Variable
Except where otherwise noted, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C [77 °F], 100 kPa). N  verify  (what is  YN ?) 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]

Structure

Chemically, lichenin is a mixed-linkage glucan, consisting of repeating glucose units linked by β-1,3 and β-1,4 glycosidic bonds. ^[1]

Uses

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

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. ^[3]

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.; Suzuki, S. (1962). "The Structure of Lichenin: Selective Enzymolysis Studies". Canadian Journal of Chemistry . 40 (1). Canada: National Research Council of Canada: 50–56. doi: 10.1139/v62-009 .
2. 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. 90 (3). England: Portland Press on behalf of the Biochemical Society: 596–602. doi:10.1042/bj0900596. ISSN   0264-6021. PMC   1202740 . PMID   5833367.
3. One or more of the preceding sentences incorporates text from a publication now in the public domain :  Gilman, D. C.; Peck, H. T.; Colby, F. M., eds. (1905). "Lichenin"  . New International Encyclopedia (1st ed.). New York: Dodd, Mead.