Mannans

Plant mannans have β(1-4) linkages, occasionally with α(1-6) galactose branches, forming galactomannans.

An additional type is galactoglucomannan found in soft wood with a mixed mannose/glucose β(1-4) backbone.

The hydrolysis of the main mannan backbone is catalyzed by various enzymes including β-mannosidase, β-glucosidase, and β-mannase.

MOS by definition can be produced from either insoluble galactomannan or soluble glucomannan, although the latter type is more widely marketed.

[citation needed] From 'manna', produced by several species of tree and shrub e.g. Fraxinus ornus from whose secretions mannitol was originally isolated.

Subunit of a typical mannan showing four 1,4-linked beta-D-mannose units, one with a galactose side chain.
Guanosine diphosphate mannose is the precursor to mannans. [ 3 ]