[5] These ruptured or lysed cells release their component parts, which include the polysaccharides that form root mucilage.
This cell wall is used to produce everyday products such as timber, paper, and natural fabrics, including cotton.
Plant roots secrete a variety of organic molecules into the surrounding soil, such as proteins, enzymes, DNA, sugars and amino acids, which are the building blocks of life.
[9] The gas chromatography retention times and the mass spectrometry chromatogram are used to identify how the monosaccharides are linked to form the polysaccharides that make root mucilage.
[8][9] Several scientists have determined the composition of plant root mucilage using monosaccharide analysis and linkage analysis, showing that Maize (Zea mays) root mucilage contains high levels of galactose, xylose, arabinose, rhamnose, and glucose, and lower levels of uronic acid, mannose, fucose, and glucuronic acid.
Plants use up to 40% of their energy secreting root mucilage, which they generate from photosynthesis that takes place in the leaves.
[14] Root mucilage contributes to the particular hydrophysical properties of the rhizosphere, which can affect the plant's response to water deficit.