Beta-glucan
Beta-glucan
Beta-glucan (pronunciation: /ˈbeɪtə ˈɡluːkæn/) is a type of polysaccharide that is found in the cell walls of bacteria, fungi, yeasts, oats, barley, and other plants.
Etymology
The term "Beta-glucan" is derived from the Greek words "beta", which is the second letter of the Greek alphabet, and "glucan", which is derived from "glucose", the type of sugar that these substances are made of.
Definition
Beta-glucans are a diverse group of polysaccharides, consisting of D-glucose monomers linked by β-glycosidic bonds. They are known for their ability to modulate the immune system and have been studied for their potential in cancer treatment, wound healing, and reducing cholesterol levels.
Related Terms
- Polysaccharide: A type of carbohydrate that consists of a number of sugar molecules bonded together.
- Monomer: A molecule that can join together with other molecules to form a polymer.
- Glycosidic bond: A type of covalent bond that joins a carbohydrate (sugar) molecule to another group, which may or may not be another carbohydrate.
- Immune system: The body's defense against infectious organisms and other invaders.
- Cholesterol: A waxy, fat-like substance that's found in all the cells in your body.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Beta-glucan
- Wikipedia's article - Beta-glucan
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