Hindrance of Hemicellulose and Cellulose Hydrolysis by Pectic Substances

Treating the tissue of the grapefruit segment membrane with pectinase and cellulase decreased the content of xylose and glucose significantly more than the sum of the separate effects. The synergistic effect obtained by the combination of pectinase and cellulase showed that the pectic substance sterically masked the hemicellulose and cellulose. Breaking down the barrier of the pectic substance with pectinase allowed a significant increase in the hydrolysis of the hemicellulose and cellulose. Preparation of alchol‐insoluble solids from fresh tissue modified the structure of the pectin in the cell wall and prevented its steric hindrance to breakdown of hemicellulose and cellulase. Extraction of pectic substances from the tissue by NaOH greatly increased cellulose hydrolysis by cellulase.