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3.3.3.4 Cellulose
Cellulose is the structural component of plant cell walls, it the most abundant naturally occuring polysachharide. It is insoluble and consists of D-glucopyranose units linked by ß(1-4) glycosidic bonds to form long, straight chains strengthened by cross-linked hydrogen bonds.
Cellulose cannot be digested by many mammals, including humans, because of the absence of an enzyme that attacks the β linkages. But, it is an important source of “bulk” in the diet. In the stomach of ruminants and other herbivores, there are microorganisms that can attack the β linkage, making cellulose available as a major calorigenic source. |
Last modified: Thursday, 10 November 2011, 6:27 AM