What is the structure of cellulose (polysaccharide)?
the simplest molecule present is beta glucose. These are bonded to each other via glycosidic bonds through a condensation reaction. Each molecule has been rotated 180 degrees compared to the previous one. the beta 1-4 glycosidic bonds prevent spiralling and keep the molecule linear. there are also hydrogen bonds between the different glucose molecules which adds additional strength. There will also be hydrogen bonding between different chains of glucose molecules. hydrogen bonds within the same chain act to prevent spiralling, hydrogen bonds between different chains adds strength. when lots of chains are together microfibrils are formed. when lots of microfibrils bundle, macrofibrils form which are embedded in pectin. the macrofibrils have a criss-cross arrangement to add extra strength.
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