how does the structural features of cellulose relate to its function?

Question 1

what is the significance of cellulose being a large molecule & how does it contribute to cellulose’s function?

Answer 1

• due to its large size, cellulose is insoluble in water, making it a suitable structural polysaccharide

Question 2

what is the significance of cellulose having large inter-molecular spaces between the microfibrils, & how it contributes to its function?

Answer 2

• by having large inter-molecular spaces between the microfibrils, it allows the cellulose layers to be permeable to water & other solutes, so that the cell can take in substances

Question 3

what is the significance of the cellulose chains associate into bundles of microfibrils, & how does it contribute to the function of cellulose?

Answer 3

• the cellulose chains associate into bundles of microfibrils, contributing to high tensile strength
• additionally, the cellulose cell wall prevents plant cells from bursting when water molecules enter by osmosis, when the plant cells are placed in a medium of higher water potential

Question 4

what is the significance of alternate beta-glucose molecules rotated at 180⁰ to each other to form beta (1-4) glycosidic bonds, resulting in straight chains, & how does it contribute to the function of cellulose?

Answer 4

• as there are alternate beta-glucose molecules rotated at 180⁰ to each other to form beta (1-4) glycosidic bonds, resulting in a straight chain,
• many hydrogen cross-links can be formed between neighbouring cellulose chains, thus conferring high tensile strength, allow cellulose to carry out its function of being a structural carbohydrate in plant cells

Question 5

what is the significance of cellulose having hydroxyl groups project outwards from each chain & how does it contribute to the function of cellulose?

Answer 5

• as cellulose have hydroxyl groups project outwards from each chain,
• many hydrogen bond cross links can be formed between neighbouring cellulose chains, thus conferring high tensile strength
• hence, cellulose act as a good structural polysaccharide, & also a good cell wall material