Abstract
Xylan was isolated by alkaline extraction of the holocellulose from the stalk of Nicotiana tabacum, which was purified by DEAE-cellulose and ion-exchange resin column chromatography. Based on the results of methylation analysis, partial acid hydrolysis and enzymatic hydrolysis, the purified xylan was confirmed to be composed of a straight chain of β-(1-4)-linked D-xylopyranosyl residues. The degree of polymerization was determined as about 100 by membrane osmometry in water.
