| xylan | <plant biology> Plant cell wall polysaccharide containing a backbone of _(1-4) linked xylose residues. Side chains of 4 O methylglucuronic acid and arabinose are present in varying amounts (see glucuronoxylan and arabinoxylan), together with acetyl groups. Found in the hemicellulose fraction of the wall matrix. (18 Nov 1997) |
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| xylans | Polysaccharides consisting of xylose units. (12 Dec 1998) |
| xylanthrax | Wood coal, or charcoal; so called in distinction from mineral coal. Origin: Gr. Xylon wood + coal. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998) |