Question

What is the role of cellulose in the cell wall?
(a) It provides structural strength to plants
(b)It also helps in the absorption of water thus, preventing desiccation of cells.
(c) Both (a) & (b)
(d)None of the above

Answer 1

Hint: Cell wall as the name implies is the protective covering or wall around the cells. Its components include lignin, cellulose, pectin, hemicellulose & many other proteins. Cell wall is found in Plants, Archaea, Fungi, Bacteria and Algae.

Complete answer:
Functions of different cell wall components are:
-Cellulose is the polymer of β-(1,4)-D-Glucose that provides strength to the plants along with maintaining the cell shape preventing the desiccation of cells.
-Hemicellulose is polysaccharide helps in strengthening the cell wall through interaction with cellulose and lignin
-Lignin is a complex polymer providing rigidity to the cell and tolerating many stresses in the wall.
-Pectin cements the cellulose & hemicellulose network, helps in plant defence and cell to cell adhesion.
-Plant cell proteins store Nitrogen, Carbon & Sulphur requirements in cell walls and plants.

Additional Information:
The primary functions of the cell wall include:
-Mechanical and structural support
-Tolerating turgor pressure
-Diffusion Regulation
-Protection & storage
-Communication
-Growth regulation
So, the correct answer is both (a) & (b)

Note:
 -Cellulose is the most abundant macromolecule on earth.
-The human cannot digest cellulose.
-Cellulose is used to make clothes and paper.