Carrageenan

Definition

Carrageenan is a sulfated polysaccharide derived from red algae, primarily used for its gelling, thickening, and stabilizing properties. It is widely utilized in the food and pharmaceutical industries.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Carrageenan is extracted from red algae species such as Chondrus crispus, commonly known as Irish moss.
2. There are three main types of carrageenan: kappa, iota, and lambda, each with different gelling and thickening properties.
3. In microbiology, carrageenan's role extends to being a medium for culturing certain microorganisms due to its gel-like consistency.
4. Carrageenan's molecular structure consists of repeating galactose units with varying degrees of sulfation.
5. It has been studied for its potential biological activities, including antiviral and anticoagulant properties.

Review Questions

• What type of algae is carrageenan derived from?
• Name the three main types of carrageenan and their primary differences.
• How is carrageenan utilized in microbiological studies?

Related terms

Algae:

Photosynthetic eukaryotic organisms found primarily in aquatic environments.

Polysaccharide: A carbohydrate molecule composed of long chains of monosaccharide units bound together.

Sulfation: The chemical process involving the addition of sulfate groups to molecules.