A class of sugar acids in which the carbon atom j carrying the primary hydroxyl group (i.e. the CH 2OH end of the molecule) is oxidized to a carboxyl group (COOH). Uronic acids are biologically the most important group of the sugar acids and are common constituents of polysaccharides. For example, glucuronic acid, derived from glucose, is a common constituent of gums and mucilages. Galacturonic acid is a component of pectic substances while mannuronic acid is found in the seaweed gum * alginic acid. |
