High School

A cellulose molecule is formed by the polymerization of glucose. The number of glucose molecules present in cellulose is:

a) 60
b) 600
c) 6000
d) 60000

Answer :

Final answer:

Cellulose consists of long chains of glucose units, generally ranging from about 1,500 to 6,000, indicating the number 6000 as the correct choice. Therefore the correct option is c).

Explanation:

Cellulose, a structual polysaccharide, is composed of glucose monomers linked together into long chains through B-1,4-glycosidic bonds. These chains package tightly together forming fibers, which creates the strength necessary for the construction of plant cell walls. The molecular weight of a cellulose molecule indicates it consists of a massive number of glucose units; specifically, cellulose chains can contain from 1,500 to about 6,000 glucose units or even more. This fact clearly indicates that the number of glucose molecules present in a cellulose molecule is in the thousands, aligning with one of the choices provided in the question.