IB Biology: B1.1-Structure and Function of Cellulose

Front

What is cellulose?

Back

Cellulose is a polymer of β-glucose linked by 1, 4 glycoside bonds.

Front

How are glucose molecules oriented in cellulose?

Back

In cellulose, successive glucose units are linked at 180° to each other, with one glucose molecule upside down relative to the other.

Front

What is the result of the alternating orientation of β-glucose in cellulose?

Back

The alternating orientation results in a straight chain, allowing the formation of bundles called microfibrils.

Front

What are microfibrils?

Back

Microfibrils are bundles of cellulose molecules arranged in parallel, forming the basic structure of plant cell walls.

Front

Why do microfibrils have high tensile strength?

Back

Microfibrils have high tensile strength due to strong covalent bonds and cross-links formed by hydrogen bonds.

Front

What role does cellulose play in plant cells?

Back

Cellulose provides rigidity and structure to plant cells, essential for maintaining shape and integrity, and helps withstand osmotic forces.

Front

Why is cellulose insoluble in water?

Back

The large molecular size of cellulose makes it insoluble in water.