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The conformation of the mucopolysaccharides. Hyaluronates.
- Source :
-
The Biochemical journal [Biochem J] 1972 Aug; Vol. 128 (5), pp. 1255-63. - Publication Year :
- 1972
-
Abstract
- X-ray-diffraction patterns of hyaluronate fibres from a variety of sources were obtained. Sodium hyaluronate gives well-defined patterns which index on a hexagonal unit cell with dimensions a=1.17+/-nm and a fibre repeat-distance of 2.85+/-0.03nm. A further form of sodium hyaluronate is produced by annealing at 60 degrees C in 75% relative humidity. This stable state indexes on a hexagonal unit cell of unchanged fibre repeat-distance but with a=1.87nm. The chain conformation is a threefold helix. Analysis of these diffraction patterns led to two tentative structures for sodium hyaluronate, involving different packing of the polysaccharide chains. The significance of side-chain interaction is discussed. Hyaluronic acid produces an X-ray pattern different from that obtained with the sodium salt. The fibre repeat-distance is 1.96+/-0.02nm and the unit cell appears to be monoclinic. The chain conformation is a twofold helix and conformational change between free acid and monovalent salt is discussed. These findings, together with model-building experiments, are interpreted as indicating a highly ordered structure, and the physical properties of hyaluronate solutions with regard to molecular shape and polyelectrolyte behaviour are rationalized.
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 0264-6021
- Volume :
- 128
- Issue :
- 5
- Database :
- MEDLINE
- Journal :
- The Biochemical journal
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 4643702
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1042/bj1281255