The konjac glucomannan consists of a linear chain of glucose and mannose with all linkages beta-1, 4. The polymer remains in solution due to the presence of acetyl groups on some of the glucosyl residues. When these acetyl groups are removed (i.e. by addition to alkali) the polymer becomes water insoluble. Konjac glucomannan has no 1, 6- side branches of galactose or glucose. More information on the structures of these polysaccharides can be obtained from the following references:
McCleary, B. V. (1979). Enzymic hydrolysis, fine structure, and gelling interaction of legume seed D-galacto-D-mannans. Carbohydrate Research, 71, 205-230.
McCleary, B. V. & Matheson, N. K. (1983). Action patterns and substrate binding requirements of beta-mannanase with mannosaccharides and mannan-type polysaccharides. Carbohydrate Research, 119, 191-219.
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