dextran

views updated May 18 2018

dextran A polysaccharide composed of linked fructose units, produced by the action of Betacoccus arabinosus on sugar. It can cause problems in sugar factories, but is clinically useful as a plasma extender for transfusion.

A Dictionary of Food and Nutrition DAVID A. BENDER

dextran

views updated May 17 2018

dextran A branched-chain polysaccharide, composed of D- glucose units, that acts as a storage compound in bacteria and yeasts.

A Dictionary of Plant Sciences MICHAEL ALLABY

dextran

views updated Jun 11 2018

dextran (deks-tran) n. a carbohydrate, consisting of branched chains of glucose units, that is a storage product of bacteria and yeasts. Preparations of dextran solution are used in transfusions, in order to increase the volume of plasma.

A Dictionary of Nursing