mucilage

biochemistry

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July 1, 2026

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Mucilage is a gelatinous substance found in various plants, such as legumes and seaweeds. It is composed of protein and polysaccharides and is similar to plant gums. The term also refers to an aqueous, viscous solution, often of a gum, used as an adhesive. Mucilage originates from the Latin word for mucus and first appeared in English in the 15th century. Plant cells that secrete mucilage are known as mucilage cells. The adjective form, mucilaginous, describes sticky or mucous substances.123

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carbohydrate
Homopolysaccharides
…lignin, the hemicelluloses, and the mucilaginous components. The cellulose then is processed to produce papers and fibers. The high resistance of cellulose to chemical or enzymatic breakdown is important in the manufacture of paper and cloth. Cellulose also is modified chemically for other purposes; e.g., compounds such as cellulose acetate…
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…lignin, the hemicelluloses, and the mucilaginous components. The cellulose then is processed to produce papers and fibers. The high resistance of cellulose to chemical or enzymatic breakdown is important in the manufacture of paper and cloth. Cellulose also is modified chemically for other purposes; e.g., compounds such as cellulose acetate…
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okra
…States; the large amount of mucilage (gelatinous substance) it contains makes it useful as a thickener for broths and soups. In some countries the seeds are used as a substitute for coffee. The leaves and immature fruit long have been popular in the East for use in poultices to relieve…
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…States; the large amount of mucilage (gelatinous substance) it contains makes it useful as a thickener for broths and soups. In some countries the seeds are used as a substitute for coffee. The leaves and immature fruit long have been popular in the East for use in poultices to relieve…
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carnivorous plant
Trap types and digestion
…passive and rely on sticky mucilage, either directly on the leaf surface (butterworts) or on gland-tipped hairs (sundews), to capture prey. Snap traps, such as those of the Venus flytrap (Dionaea muscipula), use rapid leaf movements to actively ensnare insects. Bladder traps are only found in bladderwort plants (genus
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…passive and rely on sticky mucilage, either directly on the leaf surface (butterworts) or on gland-tipped hairs (sundews), to capture prey. Snap traps, such as those of the Venus flytrap (Dionaea muscipula), use rapid leaf movements to actively ensnare insects. Bladder traps are only found in bladderwort plants (genus
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