1.1.10

Cellulose

Test yourself

Cellulose

Cellulose is an organic compound with the formula C₆H₁₂O₅. Cellulose is an insoluble carbohydrate that makes up plant cell walls.

Illustrative background for Cellulose as a PolymerIllustrative background for Cellulose as a Polymer ?? "content

Cellulose as a Polymer

  • A polymer is a large chain of repeating parts.
    • These parts are called monomers.
  • The monomer that is repeated in cellulose is C₆H₁₂O₅.
    • 6 carbon atoms
    • 12 hydrogen atoms
    • 5 oxygen atoms
Illustrative background for Cellulose in PlantsIllustrative background for Cellulose in Plants ?? "content

Cellulose in Plants

  • Cellulose is the main component of plant cell walls.
  • The plant cell walls keep the plant rigid so it will remain upright.
  • Plant cell walls were discovered by a French scientist called Anselme Payen in 1838.
Illustrative background for Cellulose in digestionIllustrative background for Cellulose in digestion ?? "content

Cellulose in digestion

  • Cellulose is a fibre and can not be digested by humans.
  • Humans lack the enzyme cellulase.
    • Cellulase breaks down cellulose into glucose.
  • Even though humans cannot break it down, cellulose it is used in the human body to aid digestion.
  • Animals such as cows and sheep have bacteria called ruminococcus that digest cellulose.
Illustrative background for Cellulose in paperIllustrative background for Cellulose in paper ?? "content

Cellulose in paper

  • Cellulose is used in making paper.
  • Cellulose is found naturally in materials such as cotton.

Jump to other topics

1Biology

1.1Cells, Tissues & Organs

1.2Reproduction & Variation

1.3Ecological Relationships & Classification

1.4Digestion & Nutrition

1.5Plants & Photosynthesis

1.6Biological Systems & Processes

2Chemistry

2.1Particles

2.2Chemical Reactions

2.3Atoms, Elements, Compounds

2.4The Periodic Table

2.5Materials & the Earth

2.6Reactivity

2.7Energetics

2.8Properties of Materials

3Physics

3.1Energy

3.2Forces & Motion

3.3Waves

3.4Electricity & Magnetism

3.5Matter

3.6Space Physics

4Thinking Scientifically

Go student ad image

Unlock your full potential with GoStudent tutoring

  • Affordable 1:1 tutoring from the comfort of your home

  • Tutors are matched to your specific learning needs

  • 30+ school subjects covered

Book a free trial lesson