Q13.22P - Chemistry: Molecular Nature Of Matter And Change

Question

Question: How can wood be so strong if it consists of cellulose chains held together by relatively weak H bonds?

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

Answer

 

Wood is strong due to extensive H-bonding between cellulose chains making parallel layers, giving cellulose great strength.

 

Step 1: Function of polysaccharides (cellulose)

 

Strength and energy storage are the main functions of polysaccharides. Strength is based on the linkage type between the monomer units i.e., glucose units

Step 2: Structure of cellulose in wood

 

Cellulose consists entirely of long chains of glucose units joined by  glycosidic bonds which adapt to form rod-like conformation. Hydrogen bonds are formed between the hydroxyl group and oxygen atom on the same or neighbor chain. These hydrogen bonds hold the chain firmly together side by side forming microfibrils with high tensile strength.

Step 3: strength of wood

 

The high strength of wood is due to the arrangement of cellulose fibers with the help of extensive H-bonding.