Problem 17 - A Complete Resource Book in Chemistry for JEE Main

Question

Cellulose is a polymer of (a) glucose (b) fructose (c) ribose (d) sucrose

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

Cellulose is a polymer of glucose.

Step 1: Understanding Polymers

A polymer is a large molecule composed of repeating structural units. In biology, many polymers are made of repeating units of simple sugars, known as monomers.

Step 2: Identifying Components of Cellulose

Cellulose is a natural polymer found in the cell walls of plants. It primarily consists of long chains of glucose units linked together.

Step 3: Eliminating Options

By knowing that cellulose is composed of glucose, we can eliminate options that do not match glucose. Specifically, cellulose is not made of fructose, ribose, or sucrose.

Step 4: Confirming the Correct Answer

Given that cellulose is a polymer of glucose, the correct answer is (a) glucose.

Key Concepts

Polymers

Polymers are fascinating large molecules composed of smaller repeating units, known as monomers. These monomers are like building blocks that link together to create long chains. In many cases, these chains can be incredibly long, resulting in the large molecules we refer to as polymers. There are diverse types of polymers in nature and in synthetic forms.

Natural polymers include substances like cellulose, protein, and DNA, each playing crucial roles in biological systems. Synthetic polymers, on the other hand, include plastics such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or polyethylene, which are prevalent in various materials we use daily.

• Polymers can be elastic, like rubber.
• They can be hard and strong, like many plastics.
• Some are resistant to heat, making them ideal for cooking utensils.

Understanding the diversity of polymers helps in appreciating their application in both natural and industrial settings.

Glucose

Glucose is an essential simple sugar and serves as a fundamental energy source for plants and animals. It is a type of carbohydrate, specifically a monosaccharide, meaning it has a simple, single-structure form. This structure allows glucose to quickly break down to release energy, which is why it's vital for many living organisms. In the context of cellulose, glucose is the monomer that repeats to form this particular polymer.

Here are a few key points about glucose:

• It has the chemical formula of C\(_6\)H\(_{12}\)O\(_6\).
• Found naturally in fruits and honey.
• It plays a critical role in cellular respiration, the process cells use to harness energy.

By understanding glucose, we can better grasp how it contributes to processes like photosynthesis and cellular energy production.

Natural Polymers

Natural polymers are polymers that occur naturally in the environment and are produced by living organisms. These polymers are essential to life on Earth, providing structure and functionality to various biological systems. Cellulose, which is a key component of plant cell walls, is one of the most abundant natural polymers. It offers rigidity and strength to plants, allowing them to grow upright and reach sunlight efficiently.

Other significant natural polymers include:

• Proteins - composed of amino acids, essential for practically all biological functions.
• DNA - carries genetic information in living organisms.
• Chitin - found in the exoskeletons of insects and crustaceans, providing strength and support.

Natural polymers show the remarkable ways in which nature builds complex structures, and they pave the way for understanding how synthetic polymers can be engineered to mimic these properties.