Problem 157 - Objective Biology for NEET

Question

Assertion: Cellulose is homo polymer. Reason: Cellulose formed of only one type of monosaccharide viz. glucose

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

Yes, the assertion is correct. Cellulose is a homopolymer because it is made up entirely of glucose, a single type of monosaccharide.

Step 1: Identifying the Monosaccharide in Cellulose

Research and confirm that cellulose consists of glucose. This is a form of monosaccharide, which is the single molecular unit that makes up a polymer.

Step 2: Checking the Definition of a Homopolymer

Review the definition of a homopolymer. A homopolymer is a polymer that consists of only one type of monomer.

Step 3: Comparing the Monosaccharide and Homopolymer Definitions

Compare both definitions. If the monosaccharide making up cellulose is indeed glucose, then the assertion that cellulose is a homopolymer is indeed true. This is because cellulose is formed from only one type of monomer: glucose.

Key Concepts

Homopolymer

A homopolymer is a type of polymer that is composed entirely of one kind of monomer. In the case of cellulose, the entire structure is made up of repeating units of the same molecule. This makes it a homopolymer.

• Think of a homopolymer as a long chain where every link is identical.
• The consistency in the building blocks (monomers) of the polymer defines its characteristics.
• Homopolymers can have various properties that differ based on the monomer used.

Understanding homopolymers is important because they help in predicting the properties of materials. For example, since cellulose is a homopolymer of glucose, it has certain characteristics like rigidity and insolubility in water.

Monosaccharides

Monosaccharides are the most basic units of carbohydrates. They are the simplest form of sugar and usually cannot be broken down into simpler sugars.

• Each monosaccharide consists of a single sugar molecule, such as glucose or fructose.
• They are characterized by the number of carbon atoms they possess, commonly classified as triose, tetrose, pentose, or hexose, depending on whether they have 3, 4, 5, or 6 carbon atoms.
• Monosaccharides are essential in forming larger carbohydrates like oligosaccharides and polysaccharides.

In cellulose, the monosaccharide involved is glucose. Their simple structure allows them to be easily absorbed and utilized by living organisms for energy.

Glucose

Glucose is a simple sugar that plays a critical role in biology as a major energy source for most organisms. It is a six-carbon molecule and is classified as a hexose.

• In its structure, glucose has the formula \( C_6H_{12}O_6 \).
• It is the most common monosaccharide found in nature.
• Glucose is not only vital for producing energy but also serves as a building block for more complex molecules.

In the context of cellulose, glucose molecules are linked together in long chains, forming the cellulose fiber. These glucose units are connected through beta-1,4 glycosidic bonds, giving cellulose its strength and insolubility. By studying glucose, we gain insights into how fundamental molecules contribute to larger structural forms in nature.