IB DP Biology Topic 2: Molecular biology 2.3 Carbohydrates and lipids Question Bank HL Paper 2

Question

Outline how the structure of cellulose makes it suitable as a component of cell walls. [2]

▶️Answer/Explanation

Ans

a.chains of glucose/1-4 glycosidic linkages/covalent bonding between glucose ✔
b.beta glucose so alternating orientation of glucose units
OR
beta glucose forms straight chains ✔
c.forms microfibrils/long and thin/thin fibres/parallel bundles of cellulose molecules
OR
hydrogen bonding/cross linkage between cellulose molecules holds them together ✔
d.high tensile strength/rigid/doesn’t stretch so provides support/allows turgidity ✔

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