What holds cellulose molecules together in bundles large enough to form fibers? a. the cell wall b. peptide bonds c. hydrogen bonds d. hydrophobic interactions

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the question. The question is asking what type of bond or interaction holds cellulose molecules together in large bundles that can form fibers.
2. Step 2: Recall what cellulose is. Cellulose is a complex carbohydrate, or polysaccharide, that is composed of glucose units. It is the main component of plant cell walls and is the most abundant organic compound on Earth.
3. Step 3: Consider the options. The cell wall is not a type of bond or interaction, so option a is incorrect. Peptide bonds are found in proteins, not carbohydrates like cellulose, so option b is incorrect. Hydrophobic interactions typically involve nonpolar molecules, while cellulose is a polar molecule, so option d is incorrect.
4. Step 4: By process of elimination, the correct answer is option c, hydrogen bonds. Hydrogen bonds are a type of weak interaction that can occur between the hydrogen atom of one molecule and a highly electronegative atom of another molecule. In the case of cellulose, hydrogen bonds can form between the hydroxyl groups of adjacent glucose units, holding the cellulose molecules together in large bundles.
5. Step 5: Confirm the answer. In addition to process of elimination, we can confirm that hydrogen bonds hold cellulose molecules together by referring to a biology textbook or reliable online resource.

Key Concepts

Cellulose Structure

Cellulose is a polysaccharide composed of long chains of glucose units linked by β-1,4-glycosidic bonds. These chains align parallel to each other, forming microfibrils that provide structural support in plant cell walls. Understanding the structure of cellulose is essential for grasping how it forms fibers.

Hydrogen Bonds

Hydrogen bonds are weak attractions that occur between a hydrogen atom covalently bonded to an electronegative atom and another electronegative atom. In cellulose, hydrogen bonds form between hydroxyl groups on adjacent cellulose chains, stabilizing the structure and allowing the formation of strong fibers.

Plant Cell Walls

Plant cell walls are rigid structures that provide support and protection to plant cells. They are primarily composed of cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin. The arrangement and bonding of cellulose fibers within the cell wall contribute to its strength and durability, which is crucial for plant integrity.