2.2.4

Cellulose

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Cellulose

Cellulose is the major component of cell walls in plants.

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Structure of cellulose

  • Cellulose is a long chain of beta-glucose.
  • Beta-glucose molecules are linked by β 1-4 glycosidic bonds to form linear cellulose chains that are unbranched.
  • Microfibrils are strong fibers that are made of many cellulose chains that are held together by hydrogen bonds.
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Function of cellulose

  • Cellulose is the most abundant natural polymer.
  • The cell walls of plant cells are mostly made of cellulose.
    • These cell walls offer structural support because of the strength of the microfibril fibers that they are made of.
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Digestion of cellulose

  • Cellulose cannot be broken down by human digestive enzymes.
  • Herbivores, such as cows and horses, are able to digest plant material rich in cellulose.

Jump to other topics

1Cell Biology

2Molecular Biology

3Genetics

4Ecology

5Evolution & Biodiversity

6Human Physiology

7AHL: Nucleic Acids

8AHL: Metabolism, Cell Respiration & Photosynthesis

9AHL: Plant Biology

9.1Transport in the Xylem of Plants

9.2Transport in the Phloem of Plants

9.3Growth in Plants

10AHL: Genetics & Evolution

11AHL: Animal Physiology

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