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Pectin is a heterosaccharide in the cell wall of plants. Pectins are very variable in composition; chain lengths are variable and there is a very large variation in the combination and order of each of the monosaccharide derivative units. It is a breakdown product from hemicelluloses (protopectins) which is generated during ripening of the fruit. Pectin itself is later broken down to pectinic acid and finally pectic acid. During this chemical breakdown process, the fruit gets softer as the cell walls degenerate. Apples, plums and oranges contain much pectin, while soft fruits like cherries and strawberries contain little pectin.
Under acidic conditions, pectin forms a gel. This effect is used for making jams and jellies.
Pectin is commonly used as the active ingredient in cough drops because it coats the upper tracheaThe trachea ( IPA tr'eik-i-a), or windpipe is a tube extending from the larynx to the bronchi in mammals, and from the pharynx to the syrinx in birds, carrying air to the lungs. It is lined with ciliated cells which push particles out and reinforced with and prevents the spasms which precede coughing.
Pectin is sometimes found in yogurt.
