Question

Cellulose is a homopolymer of:

• A. Alpha glucose
• B. Beta glucose
• C. Alpha fructose
• D. Beta fructose

Hint:

Remember the key difference: \(\alpha\)-glucose polymers (starch, glycogen) are for energy storage and are generally digestible by animals. \(\beta\)-glucose polymers (cellulose) are for structure and are generally indigestible by animals without the help of symbiotic microorganisms.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Concept Overview:
A homopolymer consists of identical monomers. Cellulose, a key structural polysaccharide in plant cell walls, is examined to identify its monomer.

Step 2: Detailed Elaboration:
- Polysaccharides are monosaccharide polymers. Starch and cellulose are two common glucose-based polysaccharides.
- Their difference lies in the glucose monomer's isomeric form and the resulting glycosidic bond.
- Starch and glycogen are polymers of alpha-glucose, with \(\alpha\)-1,4 glycosidic linkages. This creates a helical structure suitable for energy storage.
- Cellulose is a beta-glucose polymer, linked by \(\beta\)-1,4 glycosidic bonds, forming long, straight, unbranched chains. These chains align in parallel, forming strong hydrogen bonds and rigid microfibrils for structural support.
- Fructose is a ketose monosaccharide, distinct from the aldose glucose.

Step 3: Conclusion:
Cellulose is a linear homopolymer of repeating beta-glucose units. Therefore, option (B) is the correct answer.