What does XYLAN mean?

Here is the requested information about "xylan": 1. **Parts of Speech:** noun 2. **Definitions:** - A polysaccharide that is a major component of hemicellulose, a complex carbohydrate found in plant cell walls. - Any of a group of polysaccharides composed of xylose residues and found in plant cell walls and some algae. 3. **Pronunciations:** - US: /ˈzaɪlæn/ - UK: /ˈzʌɪlæn/ 4. **Origin and Usage:** - The term "xylan" was coined in 1891 by the German botanist Carl Nägeli to describe a complex carbohydrate found in wood. Xylan is a major component of hemicellulose, a polysaccharide that is second only to cellulose in abundance in plant cell walls. It is also found in some algae. - Xylan is used in various industrial applications, such as in the production of paper and textiles, as well as in the food industry as a dietary fiber. 5. **Synonyms:** None 6. **Related Words:** xylos, xylyl 7. **Example Sentences:** - "The hemicellulose in the wood was found to be composed mainly of xylan." - "The food industry uses xylan as a dietary fiber in various products." - "The production of paper and textiles often involves the use of xylan."