Which description applies to cellulose?
Correct answer: A. Cellulose is a polysaccharide consisting of a linear chain of several hundred to many thousands of β(1→4) linked D-glucose units
- A. Cellulose is a polysaccharide consisting of a linear chain of several hundred to many thousands of β(1→4) linked D-glucose units
- B. Cellulose is a branched polysaccharide that serves as a storage form of energy in animals
- C. Cellulose is a protein that acts as an enzyme to break down starch
- D. Cellulose consists of α(1→4) linked glucose units, similar to amylose starch
Explanation
Cellulose is a complex carbohydrate or polysaccharide that consists of long chains of β(1→4) linked D-glucose units, forming an unbranched, linear structure. It provides mechanical strength and rigidity to plant cell walls, which is crucial for maintaining plant structure. The β-glycosidic linkages in cellulose make it indigestible to most animals, as they lack the enzyme cellulase needed to break these bonds. Unlike cellulose, starch is a storage polysaccharide composed of α(1→4) linked glucose units, which can be either branched (amylopectin) or unbranched (amylose). This structural difference in glycosidic linkage type between cellulose and starch determines their different roles in biological systems. Option A accurately describes cellulose, while options B, C, and D incorrectly describe its structure and function.
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