What is the structure and function of cellulose?

What is the structure and function of cellulose?

Cellulose, a tough, fibrous, and water-insoluble polysaccharide, plays an integral role in keeping the structure of plant cell walls stable. Cellulose chains are arranged in microfibrils or bundles of polysaccharide that are arranged in fibrils (bundles of microfibrils), which in turn make up the plant cell wall.

How does the structure of cellulose make it suitable for cell walls?

The cellulose molecules provide tensile strength to the primary cell wall. Each molecule consists of a linear chain of at least 500 glucose residues that are covalently linked to one another to form a ribbonlike structure, which is stabilized by hydrogen bonds within the chain (Figure 19-70).

Can you explain how cellulose is formed?

Cellulose is a long-chain polymer of glucose molecules joined together. As the plant adds one glucose molecule to the polymer, one molecule of water is released. You can see this mechanism in the video opposite. Cellulose polymerisation occurs as a plant grows and creates new cells.

How are the structures of cellulose and glycogen different?

Cellulose: Cellulose is a straight, long, unbranched chain, which forms H-bonds with adjacent chains. Glycogen: Glycogen is a short, many branched chains of which some chains are coiled.

How does the structure of a cellulose molecule relate to the molecules function?

Explain how the structure of cellulose relates to its function. Cellulose molecules are arranged parallel to each other (flipped 180 degrees) with hydrogen bonds joining them. It forms strong cable-like structures for support. This is important as it keeps the plant straight and upright.

How does the molecular structure differ between glycogen and cellulose How does their structure contribute to their function?

Glycogen is similar in structure to amylopectin, but branches more frequently. Cellulose is an unbranched polymer composed of beta glucose molecules. Hydrogen bonds between adjacent cellulose molecules allow them to form strong fibres, which suite them to their role as the main structural component of plant cell walls.

How is the structure of cellulose and starch similar?

Starch and cellulose are two Polymers that are very similar. In addition, they are both made from the same monomer, glucose, and have the same glucose-based repeat units. Only one distinction does occur. In starch, all the repeat units of glucose are directed in the same direction.

How do the structures of starch glycogen and cellulose affect their function?

Function. Starch: Starch serves as a carbohydrate energy store. Cellulose: Cellulose is involved in the building of cellular structures like cell walls. Glycogen: Glycogen serves as a carbohydrate energy store.

How does the structure of glycogen affect its function?

1-6 glycosidic bonds between glucose allow glycogen to be branched. Glycosidic bonds between glucose molecules are hydrolised to release glucose molecules for respiration. Braches allow for more sites of enzyme activity, so glucose can be released quickly.

How does cellulose differ from starch in structure and function?

Starch can be straight or branched and is used as energy storage for plants because it can form compact structures and is easily broken down. In cellulose, molecules are connected in opposite orientations. Cellulose is found in cell walls and gives plant cells protection and structure.