THE cellulose can be defined as a polymer of glucose formed by bonds β-1,4. The number of glucose molecules present in a single cellulose molecule varies from 15 to 15,000, with an average of 3,000 units.
Cellulose stands out for being an insoluble carbohydrate that is resistant to various chemical reactions. Besides, it's the main component of cell wall gives plant cell, representing about 30% of the dry mass in primary walls and 50% to 80% in secondary ones.
In cell walls, cellulose is found in the form of myofibrils. These myofibrils are nothing more than several cellulose chains, which aggregate laterally through hydrogen bonds. Generally, microfibrils are made up of about 36 molecules of cellulose.
Note the structure of cellulose, a polymer of glucose
→ What is the importance of cellulose for the vegetable?
Cellulose is part of the constitution of the cell wall. There, it ensures rigidity, as it forms a large system of interwoven fibers. Despite being formed by the same compound as starch, cellulose is not used as a form of energy for the plant.
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Only a few organisms are able to break down cellulose molecules for their use, such as bacteria, fungi and some animals. US ruminants, cellulose is used as an energy source due to the presence of microorganisms in its digestive system that manage to break this product down.
→ Where is pulp produced?
Cellulose microfibrils are synthesized in the plasma membrane of the plant cell. This synthesis is performed by enzymatic complexes called cellulose synthase, which have a rosette shape. The precursor unit of cellulose is called glucose uridine-diphosphate (GUDP) and is present in the cell's cytoplasm.
→ What is the economic importance of cellulose?
Cellulose is mainly used to make paper. The extraction is done with species such as eucalyptus and pine. the fiber of pine it is longer than that found in eucalyptus and also has great mechanical resistance.
Read too: paper manufacturing process
By Ma. Vanessa dos Santos
Would you like to reference this text in a school or academic work? Look:
SANTOS, Vanessa Sardinha dos. "What is cellulose?"; Brazil School. Available in: https://brasilescola.uol.com.br/o-que-e/biologia/o-que-e-celulose.htm. Accessed on July 27, 2021.
