Hemicellulose

In plant cell walls, the most abundant compound present is α-cellulose with long fibers embedded in a matrix of cementing compounds (matrix polysaccharides). These compounds are alkali soluble and are called as hemicelluloses. They constitute about 20-30% of plant cell walls.

Hemicellulose is defined as a large polysaccharide, which helps give structure to plant cells.  Hemicellulose gives fruits and vegetables crisp, chewy, fibrous characteristics that partially remain after cooking. Along with pectin, it forms an amorphous matrix in which cellulose fibrils from the plant cell walls are embedded.  It has the chemical formula of C⁶H¹⁰O⁵ and consists of a chain of D-xylose sugar units which has side chains of units of other sugars branching off it.