[Isolation of polysaccharides from callus culture of Lemna minor L]

Two fractions that included acid arabinogalactan and pectin were extracted from the callus culture of duckweed plants (Lemna minor L.) with water and ammonium oxalate. Residues of galactose and arabinose in the 2.0-2.5:1 ratio were the major constituents of acid arabinogalactan. The pectin fraction contained primarily residues of glucuronic acids, galactose, and arabinose. The percentage of arabinogalactan and pectin was similar. The yield of polysaccharide fractions did not depend on the method for their isolation. Extraction with water, treatment of the biomass with an aqueous solution of formalin and diluted hydrochloric acid, and extraction with an aqueous solution of ammonium oxalate allowed us to obtain the highest-purity pectin polysaccharide.