Systematics of the Genera Ceratocystis and Graphium. Proton Magnetic Resonance Spectra of the Mannose-Containing Polysaccharides as an aid in Classification

SUMMARY

Most of the Ceratocystis and Graphium species examined formed mannose-containing polysaccharides which are purifiable via their insoluble copper complexes. The majority of these polysaccharides contains mannose and rhamnose units or mannose and glucose units as main sugar components. These give proton magnetic resonance spectra with major signals at approximately τ4.50 and τ4.32, respectively. Minor signals, which appear to be characteristic of the polysaccharide spectrum produced by individual species, were also present. The species were placed in eleven groups according to the nature of the spectra. Eight groups were composed of species with polysaccharides containing rhamnose and mannose units and one group of species with polymers containing glucose and mannose units. Another group contained species whose polysaccharides gave spectra which could not be placed in any of the preceding groups. The remaining group consists of species forming polysaccharides which did not give insoluble copper complexes.