Question

Which of the following is correct about cellulose?
(A) Natural polymer
(B) Synthetic polymer
(C) Semi-synthetic polymer
(D) Natural monomer

Answer 1

Hint: Cellulose is a complex carbohydrate consisting of oxygen, carbon and hydrogen. In the presence of high temperature, it can be broken down into glucose by treating it with concentrated mineral acids. It is more crystalline as compared to starch.

Complete step by step answer:
Cellulose is a long chain of sugar molecules linked together. It is the key component of cell walls for plants and the essential building block for many textiles and papers.
It is an insoluble dietary fiber consisting of glucose polymers present in all cell walls of plants.
Moreover, it is basically a polysaccharide used for the structural function in plants. Cellulose fibers can be obtained from the bark, wood and leaves of plants or from any plant- based materials.
Now, as we know that the polymers that occur in nature are known as natural polymers, cellulose is an example of natural polymers. The structure is as shown:


Hence, option A is correct.

Note: Cellulose (${C_6}{H_{10}}{O_5}{)_n}$, is used in the diet as a fiber supplement. It is also used in the production of paperboards, rayon and as a preservative in cheese as it plays the role of an anti-clumping agent. Many properties of cellulose depend upon the degree of polymerization or chain length and the number of glucose molecules constituting the polymer molecule. It is biodegradable and chiral.