Polsaccharides As Structural Units Flashcards
Where is cellulose found?
Plants
Why is cellulose a homopolysaccharide?
It contains only beta glucose
Through what reaction are glycosidic bonds formed?
Condensation reactions
When bonded together what form does cellulose take?
Straight chains
What prevents spiralling in cellulose?
The alternate invention of the beta glucose molecules
What binds prevent spiralling?
Hydrogen bonds between rotated beta glucose molecules
Hydrogen binds between chains also prevents spiralling
What are microfibrils made up of?
60->70 beta glucose molecules
How big are microfibrils?
10-30 nm in diameter
What are macrofibrils made up of?
Up to 400 microfibrils embedded in pectin (a form of glue)
Why do micro and macro have high tensile strength?
Because of the glycosidic bonds
Why do macro crisscross?
To improve strength in the walls
Why is cellulose difficult to digest?
The glycosidic bonds are hard to break
Why is individual cell strength important?
Plants don’t have a rigid skeleton
What makes the cell wall fully permeable?
No space between macro for water and mineral ions to pass through
What prevents bursting when plant cells are turgid?
The high tensile strength of the cell wall
