**2.** The diagram shows the structure of part of a cellulose molecule.
[VISUALIZATION: Chemical structure diagram showing three beta-glucose monomers linked by 1-4 glycosidic bonds, illustrating the alternating orientation of the monomers (one flipped relative to the next).]
(a) Identify the monomer from which cellulose is composed. \[1\]
(b) Explain how the structure of cellulose is related to its function in plants. \[3\]
Question
(a) Identify the monomer from which cellulose is composed. \[1\]
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Look at the repeating unit shown in the diagram. What is the name of this simple sugar?
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(beta-) glucose
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(b) Explain how the structure of cellulose is related to its function in plants. \[3\]
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Consider the type of glucose (beta), the linkage type (1-4), the resulting chain shape (straight), how chains interact (hydrogen bonds), and the overall structure formed (microfibrils). How do these features contribute to cellulose’s role?
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Cellulose consists of long, straight, unbranched chains of beta-glucose monomers linked by 1-4 glycosidic bonds. Adjacent parallel chains are linked by numerous hydrogen bonds, forming strong microfibrils. This structure provides high tensile strength and rigidity, making cellulose suitable for its function as the main structural component of plant cell walls, providing support and preventing cells from bursting.
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