Cellulose structure

Question 1

Why do alternate beta glucose molecules in cellulose need to be inverted?

Answer 1

To allow hydroxyl groups on carbon 1 and 4 to be close enough for a condensation reaction to occur

Question 2

What type of bond connects beta glucose molecules in cellulose?

Answer 2

1-4 glycosidic bond

Question 3

How do individual cellulose chains ultimately contribute to plant cell wall structure?

Answer 3

By forming microfibrils via hydrogen bonds

Question 4

What distinguishes beta glucose molecules from alpha glucose molecules?

Answer 4

the orientation of the hydroxyl group on carbon 1

Question 5

Why are hydrogen bonds between cellulose chains significant?

Answer 5

multiple hydrogen bonds collectively create strong fibrous structures

Question 6

What primary function does cellulose serve in plant cell walls?

Answer 6

Structural support

Question 7

How are beta glucose molecules oriented when forming cellulose chains?

Answer 7

alternatively inverted

Question 8

What determines the strength of cellulose’s structural properties?

Answer 8

molecular structure and hydrogen bonding

Question 9

What other storage molecules is glucose the monomer of?

Answer 9

glycogen, starch, amylopectin

Question 10

What property of starch allows it to be a storage molecule in plants?

Answer 10

insolubility