What is the difference between Glucose and Cellulose?

The term “glucose” originated from the Greek word “glykys” which means “sweet”. In a plant, glucose is stored in a sap and it is stored as starch. It is a product of photosynthesis. In animals, glucose is a source of energy. The term “cellulose” originated from the Latin work “cellula” which means “biological cell”.

Cellulose is a monomer of beta glucose present in the cell wall of plants. They are long straight and unbranched chains that form H – bonds with their neighbouring chains. Cellulose is a lot stronger than starch which is the stored form of glucose in a plant. In animals, cellulose is a source of fiber in diet.

Glucose is the product of photosynthesis, while cellulose is made from several chains of glucose after getting dissolved and stored as starch. Glucose is used to fuel the body of a plant, animal or human and for growth and development. Cellulose helps the plants to build the cell walls also strengthen the roots, stems, and the leaves.

Glucose can be the source of energy of humans while cellulose provides fiber to the body. Glucose is also known as sugar, while cellulose is an organic compound. Excess glucose in plants goes in the roots and the seeds where it would be stored until the plant needs it. Cellulose is an important component in clothing and even in the process of creating paper and cellophane.