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BIO NMDCAT Carbohydrates
nmdcat.online June 27, 2026

Concerning the physical properties of cellulose, the ability of cotton (almost pure cellulose) to absorb large amounts of water is due to

A. The hydrolysis of cellulose to glucose upon contact with water
B. The formation of hydrogen bonds between water molecules and the numerous free hydroxyl groups within the amorphous regions of the cellulose fiber
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C. The ionic attraction between the charged cellulose backbone and water dipoles
D. The filling of the central lumen of the cotton fiber by capillary action alone

📝 Explanation

While capillary action in the lumen plays a minor role, the primary mechanism is the strong hydrogen bonding of water to the abundant -OH groups on the glucose units. This is especially effective in the less-ordered, amorphous regions of the cellulose microfibril where -OH groups are not already engaged in inter-chain H-bonds.

📖 Additional Information

  • The hydrolysis of cellulose to glucose upon contact with water
  • The formation of hydrogen bonds between water molecules and the numerous free hydroxyl groups within the amorphous regions of the cellulose fiber
  • The ionic attraction between the charged cellulose backbone and water dipoles
  • The filling of the central lumen of the cotton fiber by capillary action alone

While capillary action in the lumen plays a minor role, the primary mechanism is the strong hydrogen bonding of water to the abundant -OH groups on the glucose units. This is especially effective in the less-ordered, amorphous regions of the cellulose microfibril where -OH groups are not already engaged in inter-chain H-bonds.

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