Structure and properties
Chemical Properties:
Cellulose can be broken down chemically into its glucose units by treating it with concentrated acids at high temperature.
Physical Properties and Structure:
Cellulose has no taste, is odorless, insoluble in water, biodegradable, and is derived from D-glucose units. Cellulose is a straight chain polymer: unlike starch, no coiling or branching occurs, and the molecule forms a stiff conformation, aided by the glucose. This formation of hydrogen and oxygen bonds holds the chain firmly and with strength. This strength is important in cell walls of plants. Compared to starch, cellulose is much more crystalline. The properties of cellulose depend on chain length. For example, cellulose from wood pulp will have a different chain length than cotton, algae, bacteria, or other plant fibers.
Cellulose can be broken down chemically into its glucose units by treating it with concentrated acids at high temperature.
Physical Properties and Structure:
Cellulose has no taste, is odorless, insoluble in water, biodegradable, and is derived from D-glucose units. Cellulose is a straight chain polymer: unlike starch, no coiling or branching occurs, and the molecule forms a stiff conformation, aided by the glucose. This formation of hydrogen and oxygen bonds holds the chain firmly and with strength. This strength is important in cell walls of plants. Compared to starch, cellulose is much more crystalline. The properties of cellulose depend on chain length. For example, cellulose from wood pulp will have a different chain length than cotton, algae, bacteria, or other plant fibers.