Substrates include laminarin, lichenin and cereal D-glucans. It was named after its activity in on lichenin (a form of mixed-linkage glucan). By this process the lichenin is dissolved and on cooling separates as a colorless jelly. Lichenin is identical chemically to amylose from starch grains, although it differs physically. Lichenin is one of the more important compounds which can be extracted from lichens. Lichenin is composed of multiple similar carbohydrates, and is the reserve cellulose of lichens.