Benders'dictionary of nutrition and food technology

381polymorphism (1) The ability to crystallise in two or more differentforms. For example, depending on the conditions underwhich it is solidified, the fat tristearin can form three kinds ofcrystal, each with a different melting point: 54, 65, 71 °C.(2) Genetic polymorphism is the relatively widespread occurrencein the population of one or more variants of a gene.polymyxins Antibiotics isolated from Bacillus polymyxin (B.aerosporin); polymyxin A is aerosporin. They are polypeptides,active against coliform bacteria; apart from clinical use, they areof value in controlling infection in brewing.polyneuritis Any disease involving inflammation of all of theperipheral nerves.See also polyneuropathy.polyneuropathy Any disease involving all of the peripheralnerves; symptoms first affect the extremities (fingers and toes),then ascend towards the trunk. Occurs in beriberi due to vitaminb 1 deficiency.See also polyneuritis.polyols See sugar alcohols.polyoxyethylene See crumb softeners.polypeptides See peptides.polyphagia Excessive or continuous eating.polyphenol oxidase See phenol oxidases.polyphosphates Complex phosphates added to foods as emulsifiers,buffers, sequestrants, to prevent discoloration ofsausages, aid mixing of the fat, speed penetration of the brine incuring, hold water in meat and fish products. E-450a, b, c and E-541, 544, 545.polysaccharides Complex carbohydrates formed by the condensationof large numbers of monosaccharide units, e.g. starch,glycogen, cellulose, dextrins, inulin. Formerly called polysaccharoses.Collectively, polysaccharides other than starch anddextrins are known as non-starch polysaccharides, a majorcomponent of dietary fibre.polysome An array of several ribosomes along a molecule ofmRNA, engaged in the process of translation.polysorbates See crumb softeners.polyunsaturates See fatty acids, polyunsaturated.polyuria Production of a large volume of dilute urine; may be duesimply to high fluid intake, or to kidney disease or diabetes mellitusor insipidus.pomace Residue of fruit pulp after expressing juice; also appliedto fish from which oil has been expressed.pombé African beer brewed from millet.POMC See pro-opiomelanocortin.