Lichenin
Encyclopedia
Lichenin, also known as lichenan or moss starch, is a complex glucan
occurring in certain species of lichen
s. It can be extracted from Cetraria islandica (Iceland moss
). It has been studied since about 1957. Chemically, lichenin consists of repeating glucose
units linked by β-1,3 and β-1,4 glycosidic bonds.
It is an important carbohydrate for reindeer
s and northern flying squirrel
s, which eat the lichen wila
.
It can be extracted by digesting Iceland moss in a cold, weak solution of carbonate of soda
for some time, and then boiling. By this process the lichenin is dissolved and on cooling separates as a colorless jelly. Iodine
imparts no color to it.
, John Wyndham
gives the name Lichenin to a biochemical extract of lichen used to extend life expectancy beyond 300 years.
Glucan
A glucan molecule is a polysaccharide of D-glucose monomers linked by glycosidic bonds.Many beta-glucans are medically important.-Types:The following are glucans:-Alpha:...
occurring in certain species of lichen
Lichen
Lichens are composite organisms consisting of a symbiotic organism composed of a fungus with a photosynthetic partner , usually either a green alga or cyanobacterium...
s. It can be extracted from Cetraria islandica (Iceland moss
Iceland moss
Iceland moss is a lichen whose erect or ascending foliaceous habit gives it something of the appearance of a moss, whence probably the name...
). It has been studied since about 1957. Chemically, lichenin consists of repeating glucose
Glucose
Glucose is a simple sugar and an important carbohydrate in biology. Cells use it as the primary source of energy and a metabolic intermediate...
units linked by β-1,3 and β-1,4 glycosidic bonds.
It is an important carbohydrate for reindeer
Reindeer
The reindeer , also known as the caribou in North America, is a deer from the Arctic and Subarctic, including both resident and migratory populations. While overall widespread and numerous, some of its subspecies are rare and one has already gone extinct.Reindeer vary considerably in color and size...
s and northern flying squirrel
Northern Flying Squirrel
The Northern flying squirrel is one of two species of the genus Glaucomys, the only flying squirrels found in North America . Unlike most members of their family, flying squirrels are strictly nocturnal...
s, which eat the lichen wila
Wila
Wila may refer to:*The wila lichen;*Wila or Vila, a Slavic fairy;*Wila, Switzerland...
.
It can be extracted by digesting Iceland moss in a cold, weak solution of carbonate of soda
Sodium bicarbonate
Sodium bicarbonate or sodium hydrogen carbonate is the chemical compound with the formula Na HCO3. Sodium bicarbonate is a white solid that is crystalline but often appears as a fine powder. It has a slightly salty, alkaline taste resembling that of washing soda . The natural mineral form is...
for some time, and then boiling. By this process the lichenin is dissolved and on cooling separates as a colorless jelly. Iodine
Iodine
Iodine is a chemical element with the symbol I and atomic number 53. The name is pronounced , , or . The name is from the , meaning violet or purple, due to the color of elemental iodine vapor....
imparts no color to it.
Other uses of the name
In his 1960 novel Trouble with LichenTrouble with Lichen
Trouble with Lichen is a science fiction novel by John Wyndham.-Plot summary:The plot concerns a young woman biochemist who discovers that a chemical extracted from an unusual strain of lichen can be used to retard the ageing process, enabling people to live to around 200–300 years...
, John Wyndham
John Wyndham
John Wyndham Parkes Lucas Beynon Harris was an English science fiction writer who usually used the pen name John Wyndham, although he also used other combinations of his names, such as John Beynon and Lucas Parkes...
gives the name Lichenin to a biochemical extract of lichen used to extend life expectancy beyond 300 years.