True gums are formed fromthe disintegration of internal plant tissues, mostly from the decomposition ofcellulose in a process called gummosis. Gums contain high amounts of sugar and are closely allied to the pectins.Gums are especially common in plants of dry regions. They are used primarily as adhesives, and arealso used in printing and finishing textiles, as a sizing for paper, in thepaint and candy industries and as drugs.
Resins are formed asoxidation products of various essential oils and are very complex and varied inchemical composition. The resin isusually secreted in definite cavities or passages. Resins are also used inmedicine; for sizing paper; as a stiffening material for mats; in the preparationof sealing wax, incense and perfumes; and for many other purposes as well.
Resins,gums and latex are almost ubiquitous in the plant kingdom and many of themcontinue to play an important role in our daily lives. Numerous plants producesome kind of resin, latex or gum, but only a few are commercially importanttoday, even though their uses and applications are truly manifold. They havebeen used as adhesives, emulsifiers, thickening agents, they are added tovarnishes, paints and ink; they lend their aromas to perfumes and cosmetics andeven play a role in pharmacy and medicine.