Cellulose Cellulose is a polymer of glucose linked by beta 1-4 bonds. Hemicellulose Hemicelluloses are branched polymers of pentose and hexose sugars. The proportion depends upon the plant source Lignins These are polymers of aromatic alcohols. They encrust the cellulose and hemicellulose during secondary thickening in plants. These are a complex mixture of colloidal polysaccharides.
Pectins readily hold water in an interconnecting network.
Gums These are water-soluble viscous polysaccharides. Commonly used gums are arabic gum, tragacanth, karaya and guar gum. Gums are obtained as exudates from stems or seeds of tropical and semi tropical trees and shrubs. Mucilages These are polysaccharides from seeds and seaweeds. Dietary fiber is not digested by enzymes of stomach and small intestine where most of the other carbohydrates are digested and absorbed.