Cellulose

Cellulose

Chemistry

Cellulose monomers (beta-glucose) are linked together through 1,4 glycosidic bonds. Cellulose is a straight chain (no coiling occurs). In microfibrils, the multiple hydroxide groups hydrogen bond with each other, holding the chains firmly together and contributing to their high tensile strength. This strength is important in cell walls, where they are meshed into a carbohydrate matrix, helping keep plants rigid.

Related Topics:
Monomer - Glycosidic bond - Hydrogen bond

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Given a cellulose material, the portion that does not dissolve in a 17.5% solution of sodium hydroxide at 20 °C is Alpha Cellulose, which is true cellulose; the portion that dissolves and then precipitates upon acidification is Beta Cellulose, and the proportion that dissolves but does not precipitate is Gamma Cellulose.

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