Chemically, what fundamental category of substance defines mucilage, which acts as the plant's protective mechanism?
Answer
A complex carbohydrate
Mucilage is structurally classified as a complex carbohydrate. This designation means it is composed of long, intricate chains of sugar molecules linked together, resulting in the characteristic sticky, gel-like substance that defines mallow's therapeutic profile. This complex structure is what enables it to hold water and form viscous solutions when steeped, differentiating it from simpler sugars or purely aromatic compounds like volatile oils, which do not provide the same robust, protective coating action.
Related Questions
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