What is the function of cellulose in plants? - ProProfs Discuss
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What is the function of cellulose in plants?

Asked by Shefali, Last updated: Feb 28, 2024

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6 Answers

W. Wright

W. Wright

Let's see how far my knowledge stretches

W. Wright
W. Wright, Biology student, Biology student, Astoria

Answered Feb 18, 2021

One of the most important and abundant biomaterials on Earth is cellulose. Although it is majorly produced by the plant, some bacteria can also produce it. Cellulose is similar to starch as both have the same monomer unit (glucose). However, unlike starch, cellulose can't be digested by some animals. It also differs from starch because its monomer units are linked by β-1,4 linkages.

One of the major importance of cellulose is that it helps strengthen plant cell walls and make them stable. The pattern of arrangement of the bundles of microfibrils that make up the cellulose is the reason why cellulose helps strengthen the structure of plant cell walls. As said earlier, cellulose can also be produced by bacteria.

This type of cellulose functions to maintain aerobic conditions. The arrangement of the bundles of microfibrils in this type of cellulose also follows the type produced by plants.However, it is important to note that cellulose does not dissolve in water.

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C. Bernthal

C. Bernthal

Its kind of my job to give answers

C. Bernthal
C. Bernthal, Teacher, MA, P.hD, Seattle

Answered Feb 18, 2021

The function of cellulose in plants is to make sure that cell walls are formed properly. Cellulose is the main substance that can be found in cell walls. This can help plants become stiff and strong even if they would become exposed to unfavorable weather elements.

Humans are unable to digest cellulose, but there are some who would get it in the form of fiber because this will be helpful for the digestive system of humans. Cellulose is normally used to create paper and also clothes. Some would use cellulose in order to make some sauces far thicker. This can make different products be whipped better faster.

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Barry Mclean

Barry Mclean

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Barry Mclean
Barry Mclean, Sales Manager, MBA, Ewa

Answered Feb 16, 2021

The correct answer to this question is the Formation of cell walls. Cellulose was first discovered in 1838 by Anselme Payen. The discovery came about when he separated the cellulose from plant matter. From there, he determined the chemical formula of the cellulose. Out of all the organic compounds that are on Earth, cellulose is the most common one.

Cellulose is also a type of fiber. It is very complex as a carbohydrate, and it has 3,000 or more units of glucose. Other properties of cellulose are that they have no odor and they have no taste. They are also insoluble in water.

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E. Dixon

E. Dixon

E. Dixon
E. Dixon

Answered Feb 15, 2021

The formation of the cell ways is the function of cellulose in plants. It is one of the many organic compounds that are on Earth. However, out of all the organic compounds that Earth has, cellulose is the one that is the most common one. Along with being an organic compound, cellulose is also a fiber. With being a fiber, it is very complex. Cellulose has no taste, it has no odor, and it is made from glucose.

The cellulose is important because it is what helps the plant keeps it shape. Humans and most animals are not able to digest cellulose. However, there are many other animals like termites and bacteria to digest it.

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L. Hawkes

L. Hawkes

L. Hawkes
L. Hawkes, Teacher, Memphis

Answered Feb 12, 2021

Cellulose is the starch found in plant cell walls, and it is the main component and helps the plant remain healthy and strong. About a third of every plant's mass is cellulose, as it is essential to every plant cell, and it constitutes the strong cell wall in plants. Each year, plants create around 100 billion tons of cellulose, making it the most common organic compound on earth.

However, in plants, microfibers form through parallel aligned chains of cellulose bound by hydrogen bridges formed by hydroxyl groups of glucose. Throughout this design, plants' cell walls are inflexible, which allows them to achieve form and structure.

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shefali

shefali

shefali
Shefali

Answered May 20, 2019

Formation of cell walls
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