Celulózu

Celulózu is a type of polysaccharide, a long chain of linked sugar molecules, that is the main component of the cell walls of green plants. It is the most abundant organic compound on Earth, constituting about 40-50% of plant biomass. The structure of cellulose is linear and rigid, which provides structural support to plant cells. This rigidity is due to the numerous hydrogen bonds that form between the hydroxyl groups of the glucose molecules that make up the cellulose chain.

Cellulose is insoluble in water and most organic solvents, which contributes to its structural role in plants. It is also indigestible for humans and many animals due to the lack of appropriate enzymes to break down its beta-acetal linkages. However, some animals, such as ruminants and termites, have symbiotic microorganisms in their guts that can digest cellulose.

The discovery of cellulose dates back to the early 19th century, with significant contributions from chemists like Anselme Payen and Hermann Staudinger. Payen first isolated cellulose in 1838, and Staudinger later proposed the macromolecular structure of cellulose in the 1920s.

Cellulose has numerous applications in various industries. It is the primary component of paper and cardboard, and it is also used in the production of textiles like cotton and rayon. In the food industry, cellulose is used as a thickener, stabilizer, and emulsifier. Additionally, it is used in the production of biofuels, pharmaceuticals, and other chemical products. The versatility and abundance of cellulose make it a valuable and widely used biopolymer.