Gelatination

Mucilaginous modification of the cell walls of plants. It is especially prevalent in Algæ, and occurs in many seeds. sulphuric acids and in hot water, which forms a jelly on cooling. It is insoluble in alcohol and ether. Tannic acid, chrome alum and mercuric chloride precipitate it. Leather is a compound of the gelatine of hides and tannic acid of bark. It is a valuable constituent of animal foods, but by itself is insufficient to maintain life. See GLUE.