What is cellulose in biology?

Cellulose is a polymer made up of glucose molecules.Carbon, hydrogen and oxygen atoms are found in the cellulose polymer.It is a polysaccharide found abundantly in nature. Chiefly found in the cell wall of the plant cell. Cellulose provides turgidity to the plant cell and helps in maintaining the shape of the plant intact.The primary cell wall of the plant has cellulose. It is biodegradable in nature and does not have any taste.

Cellulase is the enzyme used by the organism to digest the cellulose, but ironically humans lack cellulase enzyme and hence cannot digest the cellulose. Even then it is crucial in our diet as it provides fiber in our diet.

FAQs on What is cellulose in biology?

Q. Where is cellulose found?

Ans. Cellulose is a polymer made with a subunit of of glucose molecules.Carbon, hydrogen and oxygen atoms are found in the cellulose polymer.It is a polysaccharide found abundantly in nature. Chiefly found in the cell wall of the plant cell. Cellulose provides turgidity to the plant cell and helps in maintaining the shape of the plant intact.The primary cell wall of the plant has cellulose. It is biodegradable in nature and does not have any taste.

Cell growth and structural support is the main role of cellulose in the plants.

Cellulase is the enzyme used by the organism to digest the cellulose, but ironically humans lack cellulase enzyme and hence cannot digest the cellulose. Even then it is crucial in our diet as it provides fiber in our diet.

The cotton fiber of the cotton plant is made up of cellulose.