Cellulose is a linear polymer of glucose residues joined by Beta(1 rightarrow 4)

Question

Cellulose is a linear polymer of glucose residues joined by Beta(1 rightarrow 4) linkages, resulting in a rigid extended conformation. Fibrils consisting of cellulose are insoluble and quite strong. What is the reason for its structural strength? b. Amylose, one form of starch, is a linear polymer of glucose residues joined by alfa(1 rightarrow 4) linkages. Why are mammals unable to metabolize cellulose, which consists of alfa(1 rightarrow 4) linkages, whereas they have no problems metabolizing amylose?

Explanation / Answer

Solution.

a) Low solubility is a result of a strong hydrogen bonds between hydroxyl groups of one chain and oxygen atoms from another chain. These bonds hold chains together resulting in bad interaction with solvents. This cross-linkage between chains is the reason for the structural strength of cellulose as well.

b) - and -linkages are based on the relative stereochemistry (R or S) of the furthest from the first carbon atom in the saccharide. The glucosidic bonds can be broken by enzymes - glucoside hydrolases, which are specific to .- or -gludosidic bonds, but not to the both. Mammals produce an enzyme from this group, it is called amylase, and it can affect - gludosidic bonds only.

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