It is important in stopping the cell wall from bursting under osmotic pressure. This means that cells stay turgid and rigid, helping to maximise the surface area of plants for photosynthesis.
What is it composed of ?
Cellulose is composed of long, unbranched chains of beta glucose which are joined by glycosidic bonds.
How are b-glucose bonded?
If we have two β glucose 1-4 molecules alongside each other, the –OH groups are not aligned unless one of the molecules flips over.
Describe its structure.
It straight unbranched chains which run parallel to one another. This allows hydrogen bonds to form cross-linkages between adjacent chains. The cellulose molecules are grouped together to form microfibrils which, in turn, are arranged in parallel groups called fibres.
How is its structure suited to its function?
It's made up of beta glucose so forms long straight, unbranched chains.
These chains run parallel to each other and are cross linked by hydrogen bonds.
Grouped to form microfibrils which are grouped to form fibres.
