Cellulose structure Flashcards
1
Q
What is cellulose?
A
The beta glucose polysaccaride
2
Q
How does the condensation reaction between two beta glucoses to form a 1-4 glycosidic bond occur in cellulose and why?
A
One of the beta glucoses flips/is inverted, as the two OH groups are initially too far away
3
Q
What sort of chain will form?
A
A straight chain
4
Q
In cellulose plant cell walls, what to the cellulose chains join together to form?
A
Microfibrils
5
Q
What are some characteristics of microfibrils?
A
- Strong
- Fibrous
- Structurally supports plant cell walls
