BIO NMDCAT Carbohydrates
nmdcat.online June 27, 2026

The physical property of cellulose that makes it an ideal structural molecule is its extreme insolubility in water, a consequence of

A. The highly branched structure that creates a gel-like network
B. Extensive intermolecular hydrogen bonding between adjacent, parallel linear chains
C. The presence of numerous ionic charges along the polymer backbone
D. The formation of covalent cross-links between glucose units

📝 Explanation

Cellulose's linear, unbranched chains allow them to lie parallel and form extremely stable, regular intermolecular hydrogen bonds. These strong lateral interactions create crystalline microfibrils that exclude water and are highly resistant to hydrolysis.

📖 Additional Information

  • The highly branched structure that creates a gel-like network
  • Extensive intermolecular hydrogen bonding between adjacent, parallel linear chains
  • The presence of numerous ionic charges along the polymer backbone
  • The formation of covalent cross-links between glucose units

Cellulose's linear, unbranched chains allow them to lie parallel and form extremely stable, regular intermolecular hydrogen bonds. These strong lateral interactions create crystalline microfibrils that exclude water and are highly resistant to hydrolysis.

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