What is cellulose primarily known for in plant cells?

What is cellulose primarily known for in plant cells?

• A. Main structural component of the cell wall
• B. Source of energy storage
• C. Function in cellular respiration
• D. Role in photosynthesis

Answer: (A)

Cellulose is primarily known for being the main structural component of the cell wall in plant cells. It is a complex carbohydrate, specifically a polysaccharide made up of long chains of glucose molecules linked together through glycosidic bonds. This structure provides rigidity and strength to the cell wall, allowing plants to maintain their shape and withstand various physical stresses such as wind and pressure. In addition to its structural role, cellulose helps protect the plant cells and contributes to the overall integrity of the plant itself. Since cellulose is not digestible by most organisms, it also plays a crucial role in forming dietary fiber in human nutrition, providing bulk and aiding in digestion. The other options describe functions that are not the primary role of cellulose. Energy storage typically involves starch or fats, cellular respiration primarily utilizes glucose for energy, and photosynthesis mainly occurs in chloroplasts involving chlorophyll, not cellulose. Thus, the correct answer highlights the essential role cellulose plays in the structural framework of plant cells.

Cellulose is primarily known for being the main structural component of the cell wall in plant cells. It is a complex carbohydrate, specifically a polysaccharide made up of long chains of glucose molecules linked together through glycosidic bonds. This structure provides rigidity and strength to the cell wall, allowing plants to maintain their shape and withstand various physical stresses such as wind and pressure.

In addition to its structural role, cellulose helps protect the plant cells and contributes to the overall integrity of the plant itself. Since cellulose is not digestible by most organisms, it also plays a crucial role in forming dietary fiber in human nutrition, providing bulk and aiding in digestion.

The other options describe functions that are not the primary role of cellulose. Energy storage typically involves starch or fats, cellular respiration primarily utilizes glucose for energy, and photosynthesis mainly occurs in chloroplasts involving chlorophyll, not cellulose. Thus, the correct answer highlights the essential role cellulose plays in the structural framework of plant cells.